What is this calculator?
Estimate a whole number of risers and actual riser height.
What can you use it for?
Use it for practical planning, conversions, measurement or checking the result described here. Estimate a whole number of risers and actual riser height.
How to use it
- Enter total floor height (cm).
- Enter target riser height (cm).
- Select Calculate (or Generate for random tools).
- Read the answer and any additional results below the form. Check the units and the limits of the method.
Formula and method
Risers = nearest integer to total height ÷ target rise
Actual rise = total height ÷ risers
Actual rise = total height ÷ risers
This is geometry only. Local building code and tread design must be checked separately.
Worked example
Total floor height (cm): 280, Target riser height (cm): 17.5. The result is 16 (estimated risers).
Assumptions and limits
Geometry only. Local building codes and safe tread dimensions are not evaluated.
Frequently asked questions
What inputs does the Stair Calculator need?
Use total floor height (cm), target riser height (cm). Read the answer and any additional results below the form. Check the units and the limits of the method.
What assumptions apply to the Stair Calculator?
Geometry only. Local building codes and safe tread dimensions are not evaluated.