A hinged tray for a ladder or step stool disclosed. The hinged tray includes compartments for holding tools or hardware while the tray is open or closed. The footprint of the top of the ladder or step stool top cap is the same as the footprint of the hinged tray so that when the hinged tray is in the folded position the two footprints are aligned and the front and rear surfaces of the top cap and tray are at the same angle as the rails of the ladder or step stool.