Safety & Compliance
Ladder angle (1-in-4 rule) calculator
Correct ladder base distance and length for a given height.
Calculating…
How it's calculated
Base distance = height ÷ 4 (≈75°)
Length = √(h² + base²) (+ 1 m to step off)
HSE guidance: leaning ladders at 75°, one unit out for every four up, and extending at least 1 m above the landing point unless there is a suitable handhold. Ladders are for short-duration, low-risk work; consider a platform or scaffold otherwise.