| Primary value | 0.90 m |
| Applies to | All staircase handrails · Landing balustrades |
| Exceptions | Children's stairs (schools) → 0.60 m additional rail |
| Measured as | Vertical distance from the leading edge of the stair tread (the nosing) to the top of the handrail. |
| Source | NBC 2016 — Part 4, Clause 4.4 ✓ Verified |
0.9 m is anthropometric — the natural height where an adult can grip while descending without bending or stretching. Lower handrails can't be gripped firmly during a fall.
Universal — every Indian residential and commercial stair builds to 0.9 m. Some heritage and luxury projects use 0.95–1.0 m for taller users.