Guard and Handrail Code Check
Whether a guard and handrail meet the dimensional code: a guard is required where the walking surface is over 30 in above the floor below, with a 36 in (residential) or 42 in (commercial) minimum height, a 4 in sphere infill limit (4-3/8 in on the stair triangle), and a 34-38 in stair handrail. IRC R312 / R311.7.8 / IBC 1015; the assembly must also carry a 200 lb load and the AHJ governs.
Formula and source
guard required where surface_height > 30 in; min guard 36 in residential / 42 in commercial; max infill 4.0 in level (4.375 in stair triangle); stair handrail 34-38 in. Each measured value is compared to its limit; a 200 lb concentrated load applies regardless.
IRC 2021 (International Residential Code) Section R312 (guards) / R311.7.8 (handrails) and IBC 2021 Section 1015 by section; dimensional minimums only, not reproduced.
Audience
This tile is built for carpentry and the adjacent professions in the Carpentry and Construction group. The interactive calculator runs entirely in your browser. No account, no fee, no advertising, no tracking.
Related tiles
Posture
Rough Logic answers the math question the working professional asks on the job. The site is a calm, fast, ad-free, account-free, ever-free reference. It does not interpret code. It does not replace the licensed professional. It does not store your inputs. The Authority Having Jurisdiction governs all installations and inspections.