• 12 parts
  • Checked September 2026

Parts of a Ladder

An extension ladder and a stepladder, every part numbered.

Parts of a Ladder

Name Date

Tap any part to read, rename or leave it out

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
More options

Write the name of each numbered part.Answer key

  1. Side rail
  2. Rung
  3. Fly section
  4. Base section
  5. Rung lock
  6. Pulley
  7. Rope
  8. Feet (shoes)
  9. Top cap
  10. Step
  11. Spreader
  12. Rear rail

Drawn for this site by script, 2026-09-26. Licence: own work.

Each numbered ring is a button. Use the arrow keys to move between them and Enter to choose. Names are read out in Study, and once a part is answered.

Next step Next: the parts of a hammer

All 12 parts on the diagram

Show the list

Start here: 8 main parts 8

  1. Side rail The long sides of a ladder that hold the rungs or steps.
  2. Rung The narrow crosspiece you step on to climb.
  3. Fly section The upper section that slides up to make the ladder longer.
  4. Base section The bottom section that stays on the ground. The fly slides along it.
  5. Feet (shoes) Non-slip pads at the bottom of the rails. They stop the ladder sliding.
  6. Top cap Joins the front and rear rails at the top. Many have a tray for tools.
  7. Step The wide, flat treads of a stepladder.
  8. Spreader A hinged brace that locks the stepladder open so it cannot fold.

Extension ladder 3

  1. Rung lock Hooks that catch on a rung of the base section. They hold the fly at the chosen height.
  2. Pulley A wheel the rope runs over, so pulling down raises the fly.
  3. Rope Pulled down to raise the fly section over the pulley.

Stepladder 1

  1. Rear rail The back legs that let a stepladder stand on its own.

How this list was compiled: Read 2026-09-26. (1) Access World, Ladder parts explained, https://accessworld.com.au/blogs/news/ladder-parts-anatomy-guide : rungs, steps, front rails, rear rails joined by spreaders, top platform or cap; base section, fly section, rung locks, rope, pulley and guides, feet (shoes). (2) Ladders UK Direct, Parts of a ladder, https://www.laddersukdirect.co.uk/latest-news/post/parts-of-a-ladder-infographic : top cap, rear side rail, steps, spreaders that lock the ladder open, feet; fly section, base section, rope and pulley, rungs and rung locks. (3) OSHA 29 CFR 1910.21(b), https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.21 : a portable ladder has side rails joined by steps, rungs or cleats; an extension ladder is adjustable in length; a stepladder is self-supporting with flat steps and a hinged back. Licence: own work

The drawing: Drawn for this site by script, 2026-09-26. Own work, nothing traced. Licence: own work

How it works

These are the parts of a ladder on the two kinds most homes have: an extension ladder from the front and a stepladder from the side. Start with the 8 main parts.

Read the full guide

Extension ladder

The base section stands on its feet. The fly section slides up it when you pull the rope over the pulley, and its rung locks hook over a base rung to hold it at that height. Both sections have side rails joined by rungs.

Stepladder

A stepladder stands on its own. Flat steps are fixed to the front rails, the rear rails form the back legs, and the spreader locks the two apart. The top cap joins them at the top.

  • Extension ladder rungs are about half as deep as stepladder steps, so the fly section can slide over the base rungs.

Questions and answers

What is the top part of an extension ladder called?

The fly section: the upper section that slides up the base section to make the ladder longer. Rung locks hold it at the chosen height.

What are the steps on a ladder called?

On an extension ladder they are rungs, narrow bars you climb. On a stepladder they are steps, wide flat treads. Both are fixed between the side rails.

What is the spreader on a stepladder?

The hinged arm between the front and rear rails. Pushed down straight, it locks the ladder open so it cannot fold while you are on it.

More quizzes

Show 7 more

Browse Science Quizzes