Below is an extension ladder chart showing a variety of extension ladder lengths and their corresponding maximum reach for their lengths. It also shows an overview of the distance the base should be placed from the wall and the highest point the ladder will reach when fully extended.
Extension Ladder Chart
Extension Ladder Height | Maximum Reach of Extension Ladder | Distance of Base Placement from Wall | Highest Point Ladder Will Touch |
---|---|---|---|
16 foot | 15 feet | 4 feet | 9 feet max. |
20 foot | 19 feet | 5 feet | 9 to 13 feet |
24 foot | 23 feet | 6 feet | 13 to 17 feet |
28 foot | 27 feet | 7 feet | 17 to 21 feet |
32 foot | 31 feet | 8 feet | 21 to 25 feet |
36 foot | 34 feet | 9 feet | 25 to 28 feet |
40 foot | 37 feet | 10 feet | 28 to 31 feet |
Extension Ladder Sizes
Extension ladders range in length from 16 feet to 40 feet. Extension ladders, also known as non-self-supported or leaning ladders should extend a minimum distance of 3 feet past the edge they rest against but not more than 4 feet.
Extended Section Overlaps
Each section of a multi-section extension ladder must overlap the adjacent section by at least 1 to 3 feet for ladders up to 36 feet and 4 feet for 40 feet or longer extension ladders. For example, a 24 foot extension ladder will consist of two sections each 12 feet long, but the maximum extended length will be 21 feet, because the sections overlap by no less than 1-1/2 feet when the ladder is at maximum extension.
Extension Ladder Footing
Extension ladders should be at the proper height and angle for optimum safety and stability. When determining the proper working height and angle, the extended ladder should be set at a 4:1 ratio from the foot to the top support. And remember to always keep the extension ladder on a secure footing. Use leg levelers when needed.
Additional Resources
How to Calculate the Ladder Length Needed
For additional information about how to calculate the ladder length for extension ladders, see our How to Calculate the Ladder Length Needed article.
How to Place Extension Ladders
For additional information about where to place the ladder base of the extension ladder, see our How to Place Extension Ladders article.
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I am working on my house and need to get an extension ladder. The area I will will be repairing is 14 feet up the side of the house. What size ladder do i need? For example: whats the highest feet the ladder will extend to. Ladder- storage or collapsed 16ft, fully extended 24 ft???
Thanks
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