How to Measure Carpeting for Stairs

Accurate measurements are key to carpet installation. If you decide to undertake a carpet installation project, the first step is measuring the space. When you are tackling carpeting stairs, you must measure the staircase accurately to ensure that you purchase enough carpeting. After correctly measuring carpeting for the stairs and buying the appropriate materials, you can proceed with the big job: installing the carpet.

Tape measure
Paper
Pencil

Instructions

- 1
  Count the number of steps in the staircase and add one step for extra coverage. Write down the number.
- 2
  Measure the width of the stairs from the left to right edge with a tape measure and write down this measurement.
- 3
  Measure the length of a step. The length measurement of one step is the depth of the tread (the horizontal surface) and the height of the riser (the vertical surface).
- 4
  For this example, let's say we have 12 steps that are 36 inches wide by 18 inches long.
- 5
  Multiply the number of steps by the length of each step to find the total length if you are installing a carpet runner. An extra step has been added to the calculation. Subtract a select measurement from the edges in of a step for the width of the runner. By buying or cutting carpeting that is the desired width of the runner, you now can complete one that will extend up and down the staircase.
  
  Multiply the width by the length and the number of steps to figure the total area of carpeting required to cover the entire staircase.

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