Safety-first guidance Duty rating IAA · 375 lb Reach calculator Affiliate disclosure visible on every product

Find the Right Ladder for Safer DIY, Home Repairs & Professional Projects

Compare step ladders, extension ladders, telescoping ladders, platform ladders, and multi-position ladders with safety-first calculators, buying tools, and Amazon shopping shortcuts.

Find My Ladder Use Reach Calculator
  • 9 ladder types
  • 7 interactive tools
  • 5 duty ratings
Step Ladder ≈ 10 ft reach
  • Type II
  • Aluminum
Extension Ladder ≈ 23 ft reach
  • Type IA
  • Fiberglass
Multi-Position ≈ 17 ft reach
  • Type IA
  • Aluminum
Telescoping ≈ 15 ft reach
  • Type IA
  • Aluminum

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Quick start: pick your project

Tap a card to filter the homepage and jump to the most relevant tool. Your choice saves to this browser for next time.

What Ladder Type Fits Your Project?

Answer a few quick questions to get a personalized ladder recommendation, safe reach guidance, and a duty rating suggestion.

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What is your primary project?

Ladder use involves fall risk. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, warning labels, duty rating, local workplace rules, and safety guidance. Do not exceed load capacity. Use the correct ladder type and height for the job.

Reach Height Calculator

Estimate the ladder size you need for a safer setup. Results are estimates only — always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Ladder use involves fall risk. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, warning labels, duty rating, local workplace rules, and safety guidance. Do not exceed load capacity. Use the correct ladder type and height for the job.

Duty Rating / Load Calculator

Add up your weight, tools, and materials, then we will suggest a minimum ladder duty rating. Never exceed the manufacturer's maximum load.

Ladder use involves fall risk. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, warning labels, duty rating, local workplace rules, and safety guidance. Do not exceed load capacity. Use the correct ladder type and height for the job.

Duty rating reference

TypeMax load (lb)Best forShop
Type IAA 375 Extra heavy duty (industrial) View on Amazon
Type IA 300 Heavy duty (professional) View on Amazon
Type I 250 Heavy duty (commercial) View on Amazon
Type II 225 Medium duty (homeowner / DIY) View on Amazon
Type III 200 Light duty (light household) View on Amazon

Ladder Type Prioritizer

Tell us about your project and we will rank which features matter most for your ladder choice.

Ladder use involves fall risk. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, warning labels, duty rating, local workplace rules, and safety guidance. Do not exceed load capacity. Use the correct ladder type and height for the job.

Project Setup Generator

Pick a project and get a printable ladder setup checklist plus an Amazon bundle of suggested gear.

Ladder use involves fall risk. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, warning labels, duty rating, local workplace rules, and safety guidance. Do not exceed load capacity. Use the correct ladder type and height for the job.

Ladder Placement Visualizer

See the safe working zone, the 4-to-1 angle rule, the overreach danger zone, and reminders about power lines.

Power line — keep ≥10 ft clear 4:1 angle — 1 ft out / 4 ft up
  • Safe working zone
  • Overreach danger zone
  • Power line danger zone
  • Prohibited top step / rungs
  • Maintain three points of contact while climbing.
  • Belt buckle stays between the rails — don't overreach.
  • For extension ladders, use the 4-to-1 rule: 1 ft out for every 4 ft up.
  • Keep at least 10 ft from power lines (further is safer).
  • Never stand on the top step / cap of a step ladder.

Ladder use involves fall risk. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, warning labels, duty rating, local workplace rules, and safety guidance. Do not exceed load capacity. Use the correct ladder type and height for the job.

Featured ladder categories

Explore detailed buying guides, or jump straight to live Amazon listings.

Compare ladders side by side

Save ladders to your sticky compare rail and review them in the floating drawer.

Ladder Type Reach Duty Material Best for Shop Compare
6 ft Aluminum Step Ladder Step 10 ft Type II · 225 lb Aluminum Indoor DIY & painting View on Amazon
6 ft Fiberglass Step Ladder Step 10 ft Type IA · 300 lb Fiberglass Electrical work View on Amazon
24 ft Extension Ladder Extension 23 ft Type IA · 300 lb Aluminum Gutter cleaning View on Amazon
28 ft Fiberglass Extension Extension 27 ft Type IAA · 375 lb Fiberglass Professional roofing View on Amazon
Multi-Position Ladder Multi 17 ft Type IA · 300 lb Aluminum Versatile DIY View on Amazon
Telescoping Ladder Telescoping 15 ft Type IA · 300 lb Aluminum Compact storage View on Amazon
Platform Ladder Platform 10 ft Type I · 250 lb Fiberglass Stable two-hand work View on Amazon
Step Stool Stool 8 ft Type II · 225 lb Steel Kitchens & closets View on Amazon

Ladder use involves fall risk. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, warning labels, duty rating, local workplace rules, and safety guidance. Do not exceed load capacity. Use the correct ladder type and height for the job.

Ladder safety checklist

Tick each item before you climb. Your progress saves privately in your browser.

Ladder use involves fall risk. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, warning labels, duty rating, local workplace rules, and safety guidance. Do not exceed load capacity. Use the correct ladder type and height for the job.

Ladder inspection tracker

Log each ladder, schedule the next inspection, and tag damaged ladders out of service. Stored privately in your browser.

Ladder use involves fall risk. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, warning labels, duty rating, local workplace rules, and safety guidance. Do not exceed load capacity. Use the correct ladder type and height for the job.

Plan ladder needs for every area of your home

A simple schematic project map — not a public map. Add notes for each area; data stays in your browser.

Kitchen

Garage

Gutters

Roof edge

Attic

Exterior wall

Trees

Workshop

Ladder use involves fall risk. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, warning labels, duty rating, local workplace rules, and safety guidance. Do not exceed load capacity. Use the correct ladder type and height for the job.

Ladder Product Database

Search and filter by ladder type, material, reach, duty rating and use case.

6 ft Aluminum Step Ladder

Best for: Indoor DIY, paint, light home repair.

  • Step
  • ≈ 10 ft reach
  • Type II
  • Aluminum
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to store
  • Avoid near electrical
Safety: Never stand on the top cap or label.
Check price on Amazon

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6 ft Fiberglass Step Ladder

Best for: Electrical and household work.

  • Step
  • ≈ 10 ft reach
  • Type IA
  • Fiberglass
  • Non-conductive rails
  • 300 lb duty
  • Heavier than aluminum
Safety: Still verify breaker is off before electrical work.
Check price on Amazon

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24 ft Extension Ladder

Best for: Gutter cleaning and 2-story access.

  • Extension
  • ≈ 23 ft max safe reach
  • Type IA
  • Aluminum
  • Long reach
  • Compatible with stabilizers
  • Heavy to move alone
Safety: Use 4-to-1 rule. Keep away from power lines.
Check price on Amazon

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28 ft Fiberglass Extension Ladder

Best for: Professional roofing / electrical service.

  • Extension
  • ≈ 27 ft max safe reach
  • Type IAA
  • Fiberglass
  • Non-conductive
  • 375 lb duty
  • Premium price
Safety: Anchor or tie off when accessing rooflines.
Check price on Amazon

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Multi-Position Ladder

Best for: Versatile DIY use — A-frame, extension, scaffold base, stairway.

  • Multi
  • ≈ 13–17 ft reach (varies by mode)
  • Type IA
  • Aluminum
  • Replaces multiple ladders
  • Compact storage
  • Heavier than a step ladder
Safety: Always verify hinge locks before climbing.
Check price on Amazon

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Telescoping Ladder

Best for: Apartments, vehicles, tight storage.

  • Telescoping
  • ≈ 12–15 ft reach
  • Type IA
  • Aluminum
  • Folds compact
  • Adjustable height
  • Pinch points on locks — keep hands clear
Safety: Confirm every rung locks fully before climbing.
Check price on Amazon

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Platform Ladder

Best for: Stable two-hand work at moderate heights.

  • Platform
  • ≈ 10–12 ft reach
  • Type I
  • Fiberglass
  • Comfortable standing surface
  • Wide base
  • Bulkier to store
Safety: Use guardrail and never overreach.
Check price on Amazon

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Step Stool / 2-Step Ladder

Best for: Kitchens, closets, light reach.

  • Step_stool
  • ≈ 6–8 ft reach
  • Type II
  • Steel
  • Tiny footprint
  • Fast to deploy
  • Limited reach
Safety: Use on flat, dry surfaces only.
Check price on Amazon

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Attic Pull-Down Ladder

Best for: Built-in attic access.

  • Attic
  • Fits 7–10 ft ceilings (varies by model)
  • Type II
  • Aluminum
  • Always available
  • Hidden when stored
  • Installation required
Safety: Inspect hinges and springs periodically.
Check price on Amazon

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In-depth buying guides

Editorially-reviewed guides with safety reminders and Amazon shopping shortcuts.

Best Ladders Top picks across every category. Best Step Ladders For indoor DIY and painting. Best Extension Ladders Roof and gutter access. Best Telescoping Ladders Compact and portable. Best Multi-Position Ladders One ladder, many jobs. Best Fiberglass Ladders For electrical work. Best Ladders for Painting Stable indoor reach. Best Ladders for Gutters Stabilizer-ready picks. Best Ladders for Homeowners Versatile household options. Best Heavy-Duty Ladders Type IA / IAA picks.

Ladder buying questions, answered

What ladder size do I need for a 2-story house?

For most 2-story homes, a 24 ft extension ladder reaches the gutters safely when set at the 4-to-1 angle.

Is fiberglass or aluminum better?

Choose fiberglass for any electrical work or near power lines. Aluminum is lighter for general DIY.

What is the 4-to-1 rule?

For extension ladders, set the base 1 ft out for every 4 ft of working height.

What duty rating do I need?

Add your weight plus tools and materials. Pick the next rating above that total.

How often should I inspect my ladder?

Inspect before every use; pull damaged ladders out of service immediately.

Can I use a metal ladder near electricity?

No. Use a non-conductive fiberglass ladder for electrical work or near power lines.

When is scaffolding safer than a ladder?

For long-duration work above ~24 ft of reach, or whenever you can't keep three points of contact.

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Built around real ladder safety guidance

Editorial standards, transparent monetization, and ladder safety language on every page.

Real safety guidance

Every guide includes duty rating and reach reminders, plus inspection prompts.

No fake prices or ratings

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Reviewed for clarity

Each guide is reviewed by a content editor before publishing.

Transparent monetization

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Reviewed by content editor Last updated May 2026 Affiliate disclosure visible on every product block