Enter total rise and tread depth to estimate riser count, actual riser height, tread count, and horizontal run — layout math only, not stringer lumber.
Enter your project dimensions and click Calculate to see your estimate.
Typical materials for a stair project
Layout results are planning math only. Verify riser and tread dimensions against local building codes.
Stair geometry is derived from total rise divided into even riser heights, with tread count and total horizontal run calculated from tread depth.
Results are planning estimates based on typical assumptions. Verify quantities with product labels and your project layout before purchase. How we calculate
Divide total rise in inches by your target riser height and round up to a whole number of risers. Actual riser height equals total rise divided by the number of risers.
Residential stairs commonly use 7 to 7.75 inches per riser. Building codes often limit maximum riser height — verify local requirements before construction.
Treads equal risers minus one. The top landing counts as the final step surface, so a flight with 14 risers has 13 treads.
Most residential stairs use 10-inch tread depth. Enter your planned tread depth to calculate total horizontal run.
No. This calculator provides layout math only. Riser height, tread depth, headroom, and handrail rules vary by jurisdiction — verify with local code.
The calculator outputs riser count, tread count, and total run. Stringer board length depends on layout geometry and cutting method — plan lumber separately.
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