Buying a ladder that's too short is a safety risk. Buying one that's too tall is awkward and wasteful. Getting the height right is one of the most important decisions when choosing a ladder — and it's easier than you might think once you understand a few key terms.
Working Height vs Ladder Height: What's the Difference?
Ladder height refers to the physical length of the ladder when fully extended.
Working height is how high you can comfortably reach while standing on the ladder. As a general rule, working height is approximately 1 metre more than the ladder's extended length, based on an average person's reach.
For example, a 3.8m telescopic ladder typically gives a working height of around 4.8m — enough to reach a standard two-storey roofline.
How to Calculate the Height You Need
- Measure the height of the task — e.g. the gutter, fascia, or ceiling you need to reach.
- Subtract approximately 1 metre — this accounts for your reach above the top rung.
- The result is the minimum ladder length you need.
Example: Guttering at 5m → you need a ladder with at least a 4m extended length.
Common Tasks and Recommended Ladder Heights
| Task | Typical Height | Recommended Ladder Length |
|---|---|---|
| Changing a light fitting | 2.4–3m | 1.5–2m step ladder |
| Painting interior walls | 2.4–3m | 1.5–2m step ladder |
| Clearing gutters (single storey) | 3–4m | 3m telescopic ladder |
| Clearing gutters (two storey) | 5–6m | 4–5m telescopic ladder |
| Roof access / fascia work | 5–7m | 5m+ telescopic ladder |
| Loft hatch access | 2.5–3m | 2.5m telescopic ladder |
Don't Forget: Never Stand on the Top Rungs
EN131 — the European safety standard for ladders — specifies that you should never stand on the top three rungs of a leaning ladder or the top two steps of a step ladder. Always factor this into your height calculation.
Telescopic Ladders: The Flexible Choice
One major advantage of telescopic ladders is that they extend in increments, so you can set the exact height you need for each job rather than being locked into a fixed length. TUFFMATE telescopic ladders extend from as little as 2.6m up to 5m, covering the vast majority of domestic and trade tasks.
Browse our full range of telescopic ladders with working heights clearly listed for every model, so you can choose with confidence.
