Calculate Individual Riser Height

What happens in this clip

With the total vertical rise determined (173 inches) and the total number of risers known (24 risers for this staircase), use a calculator to divide the total rise by the number of risers. For example, 173 inches / 24 risers = 7.2083333 inches per riser (approximately 7 and 1/4 inches or 7.25 inches). This calculation provides the precise height for each individual riser to ensure uniformity across the entire staircase.

Goal: Determine the precise height for each stair riser.

What's used

Tools

• Calculator

About the full video

This project provides a detailed guide on how to accurately calculate and mark stair riser and tread dimensions for a staircase, ensuring all steps are consistent in height and depth. The process involves establishing a base water level, measuring total vertical rise, dividing by the number of risers, and using a simple method to mark each step for precise tiling or finishing.

Step 4 of 6: Measure Riser Height

Measure the vertical distance from the top surface of one tread to the top surface of the tread immediately below it. This measurement is the riser height. Record the riser height for each individual step. Consistency in riser height is important for the usability and safety of the stairs.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Measure Outdoor Stairs for Treads

1. Step 1: Inspect Existing Stair Structure

   • 0:00–0:13 Assess Existing Stairs and Planning
   • 0:00–0:59 Assess Existing Unsafe Staircase
   • 0:00–0:12 Remove Old Stairs and Assess Site

2. Step 2: Measure Tread Depth

   • 0:31–1:01 Measure Riser Height and Tread Depth Consistency
   • 0:00–0:03 Measure Individual Stair Components
   • 0:55–1:05 Measure and Cut First Tread

3. Step 3: Measure Tread Width

   • 0:21–0:53 Measure Stair Tread Width
   • 0:00–0:03 Measure Individual Stair Components
   • 7:25–8:46 Measure Winder Steps Width

4. Step 4: Measure Riser Height

   • 1:44–2:33 Calculate Riser Height (Option 2) and Verify Code Compliance
   • 1:24–1:56 Repeat for All Risers and Measure Variation
   • 4:32–5:10 Calculate Individual Riser Height (this video)

5. Step 5: Check for Stair Squareness and Level

   • 1:11–2:23 Identify and Measure Out-of-Square Deviations
   • 12:00–14:21 Check Tread Level and Stringer Fit
   • 0:18–0:24 Verify Overall Frame Squareness, Plumb, and Level

6. Step 6: Document All Measurements and Irregularities

   • 3:09–4:52 Record All Measurements on Template
   • 0:00–0:03 Measure Individual Stair Components
   • 1:36–2:16 Measure Worn Sections for Code Compliance