The invention discloses a handheld laser ranging device, which comprises a laser transmitter, a DDS (Direct Digital Synthesizer) frequency generating module, an I/Q (In-phase/Quadrature) modulation module, an APD (Avalanche Photo Diode) frequency mixing receiving module, a low frequency amplifier module and a microcontroller module, wherein the laser transmitter transmits laser ranging signals to a to-be-measured object; the DDS frequency generating module provides the laser transmitter with high frequency modulation signals; the I/Q modulation module modulates the high frequency modulation signals and outputs the modulated signals; the APD frequency mixing receiving module receives the laser ranging signals that are sent back from the to-be-measured object, the laser ranging signals and the modulated signals are processed through frequency mixing, and low frequency signals with phase differences are output; the low frequency amplifier module converts the low frequency signals to low frequency voltage signals; and in addition, the microcontroller module generates and outputs I/Q signals, receives the low frequency voltage signals, processes the low frequency voltage signals through phase detection, and obtains distance signals of the to-be-measured object so as to output the distance signals. The handheld laser ranging device has the advantages of small size, low power consumption, accurate measurement, high speed and the like, and is especially suitable for the fields such as industrial setting, estate measurement, construction technology, upholstery.