Stair Calculator

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Design code-compliant stairs by entering the total rise (floor-to-floor height). This calculator determines the optimal number of steps, riser height, tread depth, and stringer length. Results follow standard building code requirements for safe, comfortable stairs.

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Enter Your Measurements

Results

Number of Risers

14

risers

Actual Riser Height

7.71

inches

Number of Treads

13

treads

Total Run

130.0

inches

Stringer Length

169.0

inches

Stair Angle

39.7

degrees

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Formula

Risers = Total Rise ÷ Desired Rise (rounded) | Actual Rise = Total Rise ÷ Risers | Treads = Risers - 1 | Stringer = √(Total Rise² + Total Run²)

How to Use This Calculator

How to Use

  1. 1

    Measure the total rise from the finished floor at the bottom to the finished floor at the top in inches.

  2. 2

    Enter the desired riser height (7 to 7.75 inches per building code).

  3. 3

    Enter the tread depth (10 to 11 inches is standard for comfortable stairs).

  4. 4

    Enter the stair width (36 inches minimum per code for residential).

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the building code for stairs?

IRC residential code requires a maximum riser height of 7.75 inches, minimum tread depth of 10 inches, minimum width of 36 inches, and minimum headroom of 6 feet 8 inches. Riser height variation must not exceed 3/8 inch.

How do I calculate stair rise and run?

Divide the total rise (floor-to-floor height) by your desired riser height to get the number of steps. Then divide total rise by the number of steps for the exact riser height. Treads are always one less than risers.

What is the ideal stair angle?

The ideal stair angle is between 30 and 37 degrees. Stairs steeper than 42 degrees feel unsafe, and stairs flatter than 27 degrees waste space. A 7-inch rise with a 10-inch run gives a 35-degree angle.
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In-Depth Guides

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About This Calculator

This calculator uses the formula: Risers = Total Rise ÷ Desired Rise (rounded) | Actual Rise = Total Rise ÷ Risers | Treads = Risers - 1 | Stringer = √(Total Rise² + Total Run²). All calculations follow industry-standard methods. Results are estimates — always verify with a licensed professional for structural or code-compliant work.

Built and maintained by the CalcSmart team. Last updated March 2026.

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