Platform height vs working height
When you hire a scaffold you will see two heights: the platform height and the working height. They are not the same, and choosing the wrong one means you end up too low or pay for more scaffold than you need. This page explains the difference in plain terms and helps you pick the right height for your job.
The 2 metres is the average reach of an adult standing on the platform (roughly shoulder height plus an outstretched arm).
What is platform height?
The platform height is the height of the working platform (the floor you stand on) measured from the ground. It is the physical level your feet reach when you stand on the scaffold. A platform height of 4 metres means the deck you stand on is 4 metres above the ground.
What is working height?
The working height is how high you can actually reach and work, measured from the ground to your hands. Because an average adult can reach roughly 2 metres above where they stand, the working height is the platform height plus about 2 metres. So a 4 metre platform gives you a working height of about 6 metres.
Why the extra 2 metres?
You do not work at the level of your feet, you work at the level of your hands and tools. Standing on the platform, an average person can comfortably reach about 2 metres higher. That is why scaffolds are rated by working height: it tells you the real height you can reach and work at safely, which is what matters for your job.
Platform height to working height conversion
| Platform height | Working height |
|---|---|
| 2 m | 4 m |
| 3 m | 5 m |
| 4 m | 6 m |
| 5 m | 7 m |
| 6 m | 8 m |
| 7 m | 9 m |
| 8 m | 10 m |
| 10 m | 12 m |
| 12 m | 14 m |
Our Altrex mobile scaffolds cover working heights from 4 to 14 metres. The values above are indicative (working height = platform height + 2 m).
Which height do you need?
Measure from the ground to the highest point you need to reach (a gutter, a window, the top of a facade). That measurement is roughly your required working height. Then choose a scaffold whose working height matches it. When in doubt, size up one step: a little extra reach is safer than overstretching from a platform that is too low.
Calculate your priceSee your exact working height and price in the configurator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between platform height and working height?
Platform height is the height of the deck you stand on, measured from the ground. Working height is how high you can reach and work, which is the platform height plus about 2 metres of reach.
How much higher is working height than platform height?
About 2 metres higher. That is the average reach of an adult standing on the platform, so working height = platform height + 2 m.
What platform height do I need for a 6 metre working height?
Around 4 metres. Subtract about 2 metres of reach from the working height to get the platform height you need.
Which height should I choose when hiring a scaffold?
Measure from the ground to the highest point you need to reach; that is roughly your working height. Choose a scaffold with that working height, and size up one step if you are in doubt.
What working heights do your scaffolds offer?
Our Altrex mobile scaffolds offer working heights from 4 to 14 metres, so there is always a fitting size for your job.
