Enter your total rise (floor to floor) and preferred tread depth to find the number of steps, riser height, and total run.
Stair layout starts with the total rise—the vertical distance from one finished floor to the next. Divide it by a comfortable target riser height (around 7 to 7.75 inches) and round to the nearest whole number to get the number of risers. Then divide the total rise by that count for the exact riser height, which keeps every step equal.
The number of treads is always one less than the number of risers, because the top landing is the last level. Multiply the treads by your tread depth (commonly 10 to 11 inches) to get the total horizontal run. Always check your local building code, which sets maximum riser height, minimum tread depth, and headroom.
Use the stair calculator to estimate riser count, riser height, tread count and total run from the total rise. It is a planning tool for checking comfortable stair proportions.
Start with the calculator that matches how your material is sold: area, length, volume, count, weight or electrical load. Enter one work area at a time, use the unit selector beside each measurement, then review the order quantity and cost fields before comparing supplier quotes.
Most calculators can save the current estimate in your browser, reload named estimates, print a copy, switch to dark mode or create a shareable link. Those tools are intended for planning and communication; always confirm final quantities, coverage rates, density, code requirements and pricing with the supplier or contractor responsible for the work.