Calculate Individual Riser Height & Tread Depth

What happens in this clip

Using the total calculated rise of 119 3/8 inches, divide this by the total number of risers (16). This calculation yields an individual riser height of 7 7/16 inches. This ensures all risers are equal in height, which is essential for safety and craftsmanship. Simultaneously, determine the desired tread depth (run). A standard tread depth of 10 inches is chosen for this staircase. These two dimensions (7 7/16" rise and 10" tread) will be used to mark the stringers.

Goal: Divide the total rise by the number of risers to find the exact height of each individual riser. Select a suitable tread depth (run).

What's used

Tools

• Construction Calculator
• Marker

About the full video

This video provides a detailed guide on how to calculate, mark, and cut stair stringers using mathematical calculations and gang-cutting techniques. It emphasizes the importance of precise measurements for total rise, individual riser height, and tread depth, adjusting for flooring and tread/riser material thickness. The video also highlights the advantages of using LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) over traditional lumber for consistency and durability in stair construction.

Step 7 of 7: Calculate Tread Depth

Divide the total run (calculated in Step 6) by the number of treads (from Step 5). This gives you the actual tread depth. For example, if you calculated a total run of 130 inches for 13 treads, the actual tread depth is 130 / 13 = 10 inches.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Calculate How Many Stairs You Need

1. Step 1: Measure the Total Rise

   • 0:15–0:29 Measure Total Rise
   • 0:01–0:28 Measure Total Vertical Rise
   • 0:17–0:31 Measure Total Rise

2. Step 2: Determine the Ideal Riser Height

   • 1:03–1:44 Calculate Riser Height (Option 1)
   • 1:44–2:33 Calculate Riser Height (Option 2) and Verify Code Compliance
   • 4:32–5:10 Calculate Individual Riser Height

3. Step 3: Calculate the Number of Risers

   • 0:32–0:54 Calculate Number of Risers
   • 8:59–9:54 Calculate Number of Risers and Treads
   • 7:42–8:55 Calculate Number of Risers

4. Step 4: Recalculate Actual Riser Height

   • 1:03–1:44 Calculate Riser Height (Option 1)
   • 4:32–5:10 Calculate Individual Riser Height
   • 1:44–2:33 Calculate Riser Height (Option 2) and Verify Code Compliance

5. Step 5: Calculate the Number of Treads

   • 3:54–5:04 Calculate the Number of Treads and Understand the Logic
   • 0:54–1:13 Determine Number of Treads
   • 8:59–9:54 Calculate Number of Risers and Treads

6. Step 6: Determine the Total Run

   • 1:13–1:29 Calculate Total Run
   • 1:31–2:57 Calculate Unit Run and Total Run
   • 6:51–8:30 Calculate Total Run

7. Step 7: Calculate Tread Depth

   • 2:05–2:24 Calculate Individual Riser Height & Tread Depth (this video)
   • 9:54–10:28 Determine Tread Run and Total Run
   • 8:50–10:30 Calculate Risers, Treads, and Total Run