How to Calculate Number of Stairs to Build Between Levels

Whether you are planning to build stairs on a deck or on the inside of your home, before building the stairs, you need to know how many stairs you will need. In order to calculate this figure, you must calculate the rise and run between levels for the stairs. This part of preparation is relatively easy and can be completed in a matter of minutes. Once you have the appropriate figures, you may then proceed with building the stairs, ensuring that you are in accordance with any building codes set forth in your local regulations.

Tape measure
Calculator

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the height between levels with a tape measure to determine the number of inches. When measuring, make sure that you obtain the exact vertical figure in order to ensure that the end result is accurate.
- 2
  Divide the height between levels by 7, which is the number that represents a typical stairway’s rise. The resulting figure is the number of treads, or steps, you will need. For instance, if the distance between the two levels is 7 feet, or 84 inches, you will need 12 steps, since 84 divided by 7 is 12.
- 3
  Round the resulting figure up to the nearest whole number if you end in a fraction, and divide that number into the height in order to determine the adjusted rise. For instance, if the height between the two levels is 71 inches, 71 divided by 7 is 10.14. Round this figure up to the next whole number, which is 11. Take the height and divide this figure by 11 to determine the height (or rise) for each stair. The resulting figure in this instance is 6.45 inches.

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