How high should ADA ramp handrails be?
The gripping surface of an ADA ramp handrail must be 34 to 38 inches above the ramp surface, measured vertically (2010 ADA §505.4). Handrails are required on both sides of any ramp run that rises more than 6 inches (§405.8), and the height must stay consistent along the full length of the run.
Source: 2010 ADA §505.4 · Verify against your AHJ and the adopted code edition.
For accessible ramps, handrail height is measured to the top of the gripping surface, straight up from the ramp:
- 34 to 38 inches above the ramp surface (2010 ADA §505.4).
- The height must be consistent along the run and across landings.
When they’re required:
- Both sides of any ramp run with a rise of more than 6 inches (§405.8).
- Handrails must be continuous within a run, with the required extensions at the top and bottom (§505.10).
Note this is the ADA handrail height. The IRC lets residential stair/ramp handrails sit 34–38 inches too, while a guard (fall protection) is a separate element at 36 inches or more — don’t confuse the graspable rail with the guard. State codes and ICC A117.1 can differ — verify with your AHJ.
Look it up: the ADA ramp calculator flags where a run’s rise crosses 6 inches and needs handrails, and the ADA clearances reference has the related dimensions.
Sources
- U.S. Access Board — 2010 ADA Standards — 2010 ADA Standards §505.4, §405.8