Measure Total Rise

What happens in this clip

Begin by accurately measuring the total vertical rise that the staircase needs to cover. This measurement should be taken from the top of the finished lower floor to the top of the finished upper floor. If the finished flooring on the upper level is not yet installed, measure to the top of the subfloor and add the anticipated thickness of the finished flooring (e.g., 2 inches as mentioned in the video for future boards). This overall height is crucial for calculating consistent step dimensions.

Goal: Measure the total vertical distance from the finished lower floor surface to the finished upper floor surface, accounting for any future flooring installations.

What's used

Tools

• Tape Measure

About the full video

This video provides a practical method for accurately laying out stair stringers to ensure consistent and comfortable steps. The technique focuses on precise measurements and calculations for individual rise and run, followed by using a speed square for marking and creating a cut-off piece as a jig to maintain accuracy across all steps, while also accounting for finished flooring thickness.

Step 1 of 6: Determine Total Rise

Place a long level or a straight edge on the finished floor of the lower level, extending it to the edge of the upper level's finished floor. Measure the vertical distance from the lower finished floor to the point where the level/straight edge meets the upper finished floor. This measurement is the total rise of the staircase.

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 (this video)
   • 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
   • 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)