How to Find the Length of a List Using Recursion in Python

Submitted by razormist on Saturday, December 13, 2025 - 23:30.

In this tutorial, we will learn how to program "How to Find the Length of a List Using Recursion in Python." The objective is to find the length of a list using recursion. This tutorial will guide you step by step through methods for implementing recursion. By the end of this tutorial, you will have a solid understanding of how to use recursion to find the length of a list, helping you strengthen your problem-solving abilities and improve your coding skills.

This topic is straightforward and easy to understand. Simply follow the instructions provided, and you will complete it with ease. The program will guide you step by step through the process of using recursion to find the length of a list. So, let's dive into the coding process!

Getting Started:

First you will have to download & install the Python IDLE's, here's the link for the Integrated Development And Learning Environment for Python https://www.python.org/downloads/.

Creating Main Function

This is the main function of the application. The following code will display a simple GUI in terminal console that will display program. To do this, simply copy and paste these blocks of code into the IDLE text editor.

def length(lst):
    if not lst:
        return 0
    return 1 + length(lst[1:])  # Correct recursion
 
while True:
    print("\n================== Find the Length of a List Using Recursion ==================\n")
    
    # Ask user to enter a list of numbers separated by spaces
    user_input = input("Enter elements of the list separated by spaces: ").strip()
    
    # Convert input string to a list of integers
    if user_input:  # Ensure input is not empty
        a = [int(x) for x in user_input.split()]
    else:
        a = []
 
    print("The list is:", a)
    print("Length of the list is:", length(a))
 
    # Ask user if they want to run the program again
    opt = input("\nDo you want to try again? (yes/no): ").strip().lower()
    if opt == 'no':
        print("Exiting program...")
        break
    elif opt != 'yes':
        print("Invalid choice. Exiting program...")
        break

This program calculates the length of a list using recursion. The user enters a list of integers, and the recursive function `length` counts elements by checking if the list is empty and adding 1 for each element while calling itself on the rest of the list. The program then displays the original list and its length. Users can repeat the process or exit the program.

Output:

There you have it we successfully created How to Find the Length of a List Using Recursion in Python. I hope that this simple tutorial help you to what you are looking for. For more updates and tutorials just kindly visit this site. Enjoy Coding!

More Tutorials for Python Language

Python Tutorials