The proper angle of a ladder is 75°.
The best way to work out what angle a ladder should be placed at, is to use the “1 in 4” rule (also called the “4 to 1” rule).
What is the “1 in 4 rule” for Proper angle of a ladder?
The ‘1 in 4’ rule (also known as the ‘4 to 1’ rule) is a simple piece of guidance that you should always follow to find the proper angle for a ladder when leaning ladders against a wall.
The 4 to 1 rule for ladders (1 to 4 rule)
For every 4 feet in height, position the base of the ladder 1 foot from the wall. This will ensure the proper angle of a ladder from the wall.
HSE Guidlines when setting up a ladder
The HSE are very clear that you should always follow the 1 in 4 rule when using ladders.
This is the safest way to ensure the correct angle of ladder is being used.
What angle should a ladder be placed at?
The distance between the wall and the base of your ladder should follow the 1 to 4 rule (mentioned above).
To find the proper angle of a ladder simply make sure the base of the ladder be 1/4 of the ladder’s height (creating a 75° angle of ladder).
This applies whether you’re measuring in metres or feet.
Ensuring this angle of ladder improves the extension ladder‘s stability and reduces its risk of slipping.
Ladder Stabilisers
If you are unsure of what angle a ladder should be set at, you can always use ladder stailisers.
Ladder stabilisers provide a more stable foundation for the ladders, and will stop ladders sliding or falling.
We have a post specifically for ladder stabilisers where we have reviewed the most useful accessories for ladders available.
There are several other factors to ensure safety when setting up a ladder, however the angle is the most important to consider.
Instinctively you will already be risk assessing the situation everytime you set a ladder up.
For instance you will already be taking into account loose ground like gravel, uneven ground, stairs etc.
We have included all types of accessories for setting up on different types of ground in the ladder stabiliser page where I have posted the link above.