Free Staircase Riser Calculator
Calculate the number of risers, riser height, and tread depth for a staircase given the total rise and preferred step dimensions.
Number of Risers
14 risers
Number of Risers vs Total Rise (Floor to Floor)
How to Calculate Stair Risers
Formula
Number of Risers = round(Total Rise / Target Riser Height)
Actual Riser Height = Total Rise / Number of Risers
Number of Treads = Risers - 1
The International Residential Code limits risers to a maximum of 7-3/4 inches and requires a minimum tread depth of 10 inches. A common comfort rule is that riser + tread should equal 17 to 18 inches.
Example Calculation
A floor-to-floor height of 108 inches (9 feet) with a 7.5-inch target riser and 10-inch treads.
- 01Number of risers = round(108 / 7.5) = round(14.4) = 14 risers
- 02Actual riser height = 108 / 14 = 7.714 inches
- 03Number of treads = 14 - 1 = 13 treads
- 04Total run = 13 x 10 = 130 inches (10 ft 10 in)
- 05Comfort check: 7.714 + 10 = 17.71 in (within the 17-18 range)
Frequently Asked Questions
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