Calculate Individual Riser Height

What happens in this clip

With the total vertical rise determined (173 inches) and the total number of risers known (24 risers for this staircase), use a calculator to divide the total rise by the number of risers. For example, 173 inches / 24 risers = 7.2083333 inches per riser (approximately 7 and 1/4 inches or 7.25 inches). This calculation provides the precise height for each individual riser to ensure uniformity across the entire staircase.

Goal: Determine the precise height for each stair riser.

What's used

Tools

• Calculator

About the full video

This project provides a detailed guide on how to accurately calculate and mark stair riser and tread dimensions for a staircase, ensuring all steps are consistent in height and depth. The process involves establishing a base water level, measuring total vertical rise, dividing by the number of risers, and using a simple method to mark each step for precise tiling or finishing.

Step 2 of 6: Calculate Ideal Riser Height

Divide the total rise (measured in step 1) by a target riser height. Common riser heights range from 7 to 8 inches. For example, if the total rise is 100 inches, dividing by 7.5 inches gives approximately 13.33. Round this number to the nearest whole number to determine the number of risers. In this example, 13 risers would be the target.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Measure Stair Rise and Run

1. Step 1: Determine Total Rise

   • 0:04–0:30 Measure Total Rise
   • 2:54–4:34 Determine the Total Rise
   • 0:54–1:25 Calculate Final Total Rise

2. Step 2: Calculate Ideal Riser Height

   • 0:29–1:07 Calculate Rise and Run
   • 4:32–5:10 Calculate Individual Riser Height (this video)
   • 0:28–1:03 Calculate Approximate Number of Risers

3. Step 3: Determine Actual Riser Height

   • 4:32–5:10 Calculate Individual Riser Height
   • 1:03–1:44 Calculate Riser Height (Option 1)
   • 0:28–1:03 Calculate Approximate Number of Risers

4. Step 4: Determine Number of Treads (Steps)

   • 0:54–1:13 Determine Number of Treads
   • 3:54–5:04 Calculate the Number of Treads and Understand the Logic
   • 8:59–9:54 Calculate Number of Risers and Treads

5. Step 5: Measure Total Run

   • 1:31–2:57 Calculate Unit Run and Total Run
   • 1:13–1:29 Calculate Total Run
   • 9:54–10:28 Determine Tread Run and Total Run

6. Step 6: Calculate Actual Tread Run

   • 0:29–1:07 Calculate Rise and Run
   • 1:31–2:57 Calculate Unit Run and Total Run
   • 10:55–11:31 Calculate Overall Run (Treads)