Precise measurements, diagrams & cost estimates for any staircase project
Calculate risers, treads, stringers, and materials for straight, spiral, L-shaped, and U-shaped stairs. Get professional results with our comprehensive stair calculator tool.
Enter your measurements below to calculate all stair dimensions, materials needed, and estimated costs.
Detailed breakdown of material requirements and estimated costs for your staircase project.
Professional results without the complexity - our tool makes stair calculation accessible for everyone.
Calculate exact riser height, tread depth, stringer length, and materials needed with industry-standard formulas.
Get accurate cost projections for wood, concrete, metal, and composite staircases based on current material prices.
Supports straight, spiral, L-shaped, U-shaped, and winder staircase calculations with specific parameters.
Interactive 2D and 3D diagrams help you visualize the staircase before construction begins.
Access the calculator on any device - perfect for on-site measurements and calculations.
Web-based tool requires no downloads or installations. Access it anytime, anywhere.
Input total rise (height) and total run (depth) of your staircase in inches or centimeters.
Select stair type, material, and any specific requirements for your project.
Receive precise calculations, diagrams, material list, and cost estimate instantly.
Find answers to common questions about stair calculation and design.
The standard rise (height of each step) is between 6-8 inches (15-20 cm), and the standard run (depth of each step) is between 9-11 inches (23-28 cm). The ideal ratio is rise + run = 17-18 inches.
To calculate the number of stairs: Divide the total rise (height from floor to floor) by your desired riser height. For example, a 108-inch total rise with 7.5-inch risers: 108 ÷ 7.5 = 14.4, so you would need 14 steps.
Staircase costs vary significantly based on materials and design. Basic wooden stairs cost $100-$200 per step, mid-range stairs $200-$500 per step, and high-end custom designs $500-$1,500+ per step. Our calculator provides detailed estimates based on your specific parameters.
The stringer length is calculated using the Pythagorean theorem: √(total rise² + total run²). For example, with a 108-inch rise and 144-inch run: √(108² + 144²) = √(11664 + 20736) = √32400 = 180 inches.
Spiral stairs require calculating the diameter based on the required tread width and central pole size. Minimum diameter is typically 5 feet (1.5m) for comfortable use. Our spiral staircase calculator handles all complex geometry automatically.
Designing stairs requires understanding fundamental principles of geometry, building codes, and ergonomics. This comprehensive guide covers everything from basic stair calculations to advanced design considerations for various staircase types.
Before diving into calculations, it's essential to understand key stair components:
The basic formulas every designer and builder should know:
Compliance with building codes is essential for safety and legality:
Different stair types require specialized calculations:
Spiral stairs require calculating the helix angle, step wedge dimensions, and central pole requirements. The critical measurement is the walkline - the path people actually walk - typically 2/3 of the way from the center.
For winder stairs (stairs that change direction without a landing), the key is maintaining consistent tread depth at the walkline while meeting minimum dimensions at the narrowest point.
Floating stair calculations must account for structural support requirements and deflection limits in addition to standard dimensional calculations.
For a complete 5000-word guide with detailed examples, diagrams, and material calculations, download our free eBook: "The Complete Guide to Stair Design and Calculation".