Ladder Size for 2-Story House (with Safety Calculator)

Wondering what ladder size for a 2-story house is actually safe and OSHA-compliant? You’re not alone. Whether you’re a field technician, contractor, or homeowner trying to reach a roofline, this guide breaks down the exact ladder height you need and includes a free calculator tool to eliminate guesswork. Let’s make sure you’re not climbing into a safety risk.

Ladder Size for a 2-Story House: Quick Answer

For most two-story homes (typically 16–20 feet to the eaves), you’ll need a 24- to 28-foot extension ladder. This allows for safe overlap, proper ladder angle, and 3 feet of extension above the roofline.

How to Calculate the Right Ladder Height

• Apply the 4-to-1 Rule: For every 4 feet of height, the ladder base should be 1 foot out.
• OSHA recommends a 75.5° angle for ladder safety.
• Your ladder should extend at least 3 feet above the landing point.

Trying to run the math in your head? Just use our free tool instead:

Popular Ladder Sizes for 2-Story Homes

• 24 ft Extension Ladder – Bare minimum for most 2-story access
• 28 ft Extension Ladder – Safer option for high eaves or pitched roofs
• Multi-Position Ladders (17–22 ft) – Good for interior 2nd-story access but not for roof

Understanding OSHA Ladder Safety Requirements

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets clear guidelines for ladder usage to help prevent workplace accidents. According to OSHA 1910.23:

• Ladders must support at least four times the maximum intended load.
• Extension ladders must extend a minimum of 3 feet above the roofline or landing surface.
• Ladders must be used on stable, level surfaces unless secured to prevent movement.
• Side rails must be placed at a safe angle—typically 75.5°, aligning with the 4-to-1 rule.
• Climbers must always face the ladder and maintain three points of contact.

Compliance isn’t optional. Following these OSHA requirements isn’t just about avoiding citations—it can be the difference between a routine job and a preventable injury.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a ladder that’s too short – Increases risk of falls due to unsafe angles
• Ignoring ladder weight ratings – Most pros need a Type IA or IAA ladder (300–375 lb)
• Setting up on uneven ground – Always level and secure your base before climbing
• Skipping the 3-foot rule – Not extending 3 feet above a roofline is both dangerous and against OSHA rules

Recommended Ladders (Amazon Picks)

• Louisville AE2228 Extension Ladder (28 ft) – 300 lb load capacity, aluminum build with secure D-rungs
• Little Giant Velocity 22-ft Multi-Position Ladder – Versatile, compact, and field tech favorite
• Louisville FE3224 Fiberglass Extension Ladder (24 ft) – Heavy-duty fiberglass for electricians and contractors

Field FAQ: Ladder Sizing & Safety

• What if my ground isn’t level? – Use ladder levelers or adjustable base feet to stay safe
• Can I use a multi-position ladder on the roof? – Not unless it reaches the necessary height safely and locks securely
• Is a 20 ft ladder enough? – Rarely for second-story roof work. 24 ft is the practical minimum
• What’s the maximum safe height for a ladder? – OSHA recommends not exceeding 3/4 of the ladder’s total height for actual reach

Extra Tip: Practice Setup Before Climbing

Take a moment to stage your ladder on the ground and dry-run your angle and reach before committing to the climb. It helps identify any issues with terrain, height misjudgments, or stability problems—before you’re 20 feet up in the air. A few extra minutes could prevent a serious injury.

Final Thoughts

Don’t gamble with ladder safety—especially two stories up. The right size ladder makes the job safer and faster. Bookmark our calculator, and share it with your team or DIY-minded clients. You’ll be surprised how many people guess wrong.

FieldGearHQ.com is your go-to source for gear recommendations, safety tips, and field-tested tools that get the job done.

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