Determine Tread Run and Total Run
From How to Measure Stair Rise and Run · Step 5 of 6 · Video by HouseImprovements

Showing 9:54–10:28 of the source video. Watch the full video with every moment.
What happens in this clip
The speaker explains that his pre-manufactured stair treads are 11 1/2 inches wide. After deducting 1 inch for nosing (the overhang), the effective run for each tread is 10 1/2 inches. Multiplying this individual tread run (10 1/2 inches) by the 13 treads previously calculated gives a total run of 136 1/2 inches. This total run determines the horizontal space needed for the staircase.
Goal: Calculate the individual run per tread by deducting the nosing from the tread material's width, then multiply by the number of treads to find the total run required for the staircase.
What's used
Tools
- Tape Measure
Materials
- Pre-manufactured Stair Treads
About the full video
This video provides a detailed guide on planning and dimensioning a staircase, focusing on understanding building codes, measuring key components like total rise, total run, headroom, and selecting appropriate materials. It covers essential terminology, calculation methods, and practical considerations for ensuring a safe and compliant staircase installation.
What's said in this clip
Treads the tread material I have is 11 and 1 12 in wide and I'll show you that in a few minutes it's a pre-manufactured tread um so when I deduct my nosing off there which is an inch I'll have 10 and 1 half inch Treads or my run will be that okay so if I have a 10 and 1/2 inch run on every tread which was 13 Treads that's 1362 is my total Run Okay so that's my my distance from so my
Automatically transcribed from the source video.
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.
Every video in How to Measure Stair Rise and Run
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
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
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
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
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 (this video)
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)
How to Measure Stair Rise and Run
This project outlines the process for accurately measuring the rise and run of stairs, a critical step in stair construction, renovation, or repair.
Read the full guide Browse all guides
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