Stair Rise and Run Calculator
A stair rise and run calculator finds the exact height (rise) and depth (run) of each step so the staircase is even and comfortable. It divides the total rise into equal steps near 7.5 inches and pairs them with a run of 10 to 11 inches. Enter your total rise below to get the rise and run per step.
Enter your total rise (floor-to-floor height) to see the layout.
Estimate only. Confirm against your local building code: stairs, framing, rebar, roofing and retaining walls are structural and code-dependent. This site does not provide engineering judgment.
What Is Rise and Run on Stairs?
Rise is the vertical height of each step, and run is the horizontal depth you step onto. Together they set how steep and comfortable a staircase feels. A rise near 7.5 inches with a run near 10.5 inches is the comfortable standard. The key rule is uniformity: every rise must match within about 3/8 inch, or the stairs become a trip hazard. The calculator divides your total rise into equal steps to guarantee this.
How Do You Keep Stair Steps Even?
To keep steps even, never just make the last step whatever is left over. Instead, divide the total rise by the number of steps so every rise is identical. For a 105 inch rise over 14 steps, each rise is exactly 7.5 inches. This even division is what the calculator does, and it is both a comfort and a code requirement, since uneven steps cause falls.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is rise and run on stairs?
- Rise is each step's height, run is its depth. A comfortable stair pairs a rise near 7.5 inches with a run near 10.5 inches, with all steps even.
- How do I keep stair steps even?
- Divide the total rise by the number of steps so every rise is identical. A 105 inch rise over 14 steps is exactly 7.5 inches per step.