Calculate Total Run

What happens in this clip

With the number of treads determined, calculate the 'total run' of your stairs. A standard tread depth is often around 10 inches. Multiply your number of treads (7 in the example) by your chosen tread depth (10 inches). This calculation (7 treads * 10 inches/tread) gives a total run of 70 inches. This figure tells you how far horizontally the stairs will extend from the deck.

Goal: Calculate the total horizontal distance the stairs will cover, known as the 'total run', by multiplying the number of treads by the desired tread depth.

What's used

Tools

• Calculator

About the full video

This video provides step-by-step instructions for accurately laying out deck stair stringers by calculating the total rise, determining the number of risers and treads, and then calculating the total run to find the precise landing point for the stairs. This method helps avoid common mistakes in stair construction.

Step 5 of 6: Measure Total Run

This measurement is typically determined by multiplying the number of treads by the desired tread depth. Common tread depths range from 9 to 11 inches. For example, with 12 treads and a desired tread depth of 10 inches, the total run would be 120 inches.

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
   • 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 (this video)
   • 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)