Handrail Length Calculator — Work Out What Size to Order
Enter your stair measurements below and we'll work out the handrail length to order, including the extensions past the top and bottom step. Not sure how to measure? Read our step-by-step measuring guide first.
1. How do you want to measure?
The diagonal from the front edge of your top step to the front edge of your bottom step.
2. Extension past each end
Extending the rail past the first and last step gives you something to hold when stepping on and off.
Order this length
60"
5 ft 0 in
| Nose-to-nose measurement | 48" |
| Extensions added | 12" |
| Brackets needed | 2 |
| Shipping | One piece |
How this calculation works
Your handrail needs to run the diagonal of your staircase, not the height of the wall or the depth of the floor. That diagonal is the nose-to-nose measurement — a straight line from the front edge of your top step down to the front edge of your bottom step.
If you give us rise and run instead, we calculate that diagonal for you using the Pythagorean theorem: the diagonal is the square root of the rise squared plus the run squared.
We then add your chosen extension at each end. A rail that stops exactly at the last step leaves you unsupported at the moment you most need a handhold, which is why we recommend at least 6 inches past each end.
Bracket quantities
Every handrail we build ships with the right number of brackets for its length, so you don't need to order these separately:
- 12" to 60" → 2 brackets
- 61" to 96" → 3 brackets
- 97" to 144" → 4 brackets
- 145" to 180" → 5 brackets
- 181" to 216" → 6 brackets
- 217" to 276" → 7 brackets
More detail on placement, stud spacing and mounting without studs is in our bracket guide.
Still not sure?
Send us your measurements before you order and we'll check them against your stair dimensions. It costs nothing, and it's considerably cheaper than a rail that doesn't fit. Every handrail is cut to your exact length in our Ventura shop — there's no rounding to the nearest stock size.
