Staircase Rise & Run Calculator
Calculate the number of steps, rise and run per step, and stringer length for a staircase of any total height.
Number of steps
—
Actual riser height —
Tread depth (run per step) —
Stringer length —
A general guide — always follow local building codes for maximum riser height and minimum tread depth.
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How it works
Steps = total rise ÷ ideal riser height; run per step from total horizontal run ÷ stepsFrequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate the number of steps in a staircase?
Divide the total floor-to-floor height by your target riser height (commonly 17–19 cm / 7 in): a 2.7 m rise at an 18 cm riser needs 15 steps. Building codes typically cap maximum riser height and set minimum tread depth — check local codes.
What is a comfortable rise-to-run ratio?
A common rule of thumb: 2 × riser + tread ≈ 63–65 cm (about 25 in). Steeper stairs (higher riser, shorter tread) save space but feel harder to climb; shallower stairs feel easier but need more floor length.
How do I find stringer length?
The stringer is the hypotenuse of a right triangle formed by total rise and total run — use the Pythagorean theorem: length = √(rise² + run²), then add a bit extra for the top and bottom cuts.