Measure Total Vertical Rise

What happens in this clip

Accurately measure the vertical distance from the top surface of the lower floor to the top surface of the upper floor where the stairs will connect. This measurement is crucial for all subsequent calculations. For this example, a total rise of 35 inches will be used.

Goal: Obtain the exact vertical height between the two floor levels

What's used

Tools

• Measuring Tape
• Yard stick

About the full video

This instructional guide details the process of accurately calculating the number and individual height of stair risers, ensuring they meet building codes for safety and comfort. The method involves measuring the total vertical rise, estimating the number of risers using an average height, and then testing different whole numbers of risers against the total rise to determine compliant and comfortable individual riser heights.

Step 1 of 7: Measure the Total Rise

Using a tape measure, determine the total vertical distance that the stairs need to cover. This is the 'total rise'. Ensure the measurement is taken from the finished surface of the lower floor to the finished surface of the upper floor. For accuracy, use a level if needed to ensure a true vertical measurement.

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 (this video)
   • 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
   • 9:54–10:28 Determine Tread Run and Total Run
   • 8:50–10:30 Calculate Risers, Treads, and Total Run