How high should a stair handrail be and what size is actually graspable?
Handrails sit 34–38 in high, with round grips 1¼–2 in in diameter (IRC R311.7.8).
A handrail is required on at least one side of any flight with four or more risers, and its top must sit between 34 and 38 inches (864–965 mm) above the tread nosings.
For graspability, a round (Type I) handrail must have an outside diameter of 1¼ to 2 inches. A non-circular profile qualifies with a perimeter of 4 to 6¼ inches and a maximum cross-section of 2¼ inches. Larger (Type II) handrails are allowed only when they include a graspable finger recess.
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