Handrail Angle Calculator

Formula

The formula to calculate the Handrail Angle is:

\[ A = \tan^{-1} \left( \frac{H2 - H1}{D} \right) \]

Where:

H1 is the height at the start of the handrail (meters).
H2 is the height at the end of the handrail (meters).
D is the horizontal distance between the start and end of the handrail (meters).

What is a Handrail Angle?

A handrail angle refers to the degree of inclination or slope of a handrail, typically found on staircases or ramps. It is designed to provide stability and support for individuals ascending or descending. The angle is usually determined by the gradient of the stairs or ramp, ensuring it is comfortable and safe to use. Building codes often specify the acceptable range for handrail angles to ensure accessibility and safety.

Example Calculation

Let's consider an example:

Height at Start (H1): 1 meter
Height at End (H2): 2 meters
Horizontal Distance (D): 3 meters

Using the formula to calculate the Handrail Angle:

\[ A = \tan^{-1} \left( \frac{2 - 1}{3} \right) \approx 18.43^\circ \]

This means that the handrail angle for this scenario is approximately 18.43 degrees.