Stair Runner Calculator — How Much Runner Do I Need?
Runner length in metres, rounded up to order, plus stair rods.
Quick answer
Runner length = number of steps × (tread + riser + nosing wrap) + landing length + a little at the top and bottom. Round up to the next 10 cm to order.
Try the calculator
Results
- Per step
- 45 cm (tread + riser + nosing)
- Steps
- 5.85 m
- Runner length
- 5.95 m
- Order
- 6.0 m
- Stair rods
- 13 (one per riser)
- • Measure one tread and one riser at the centre of the stair; most UK treads are 22–25 cm and risers 18–22 cm.
- • Winders need each step measured on its own line, so add them up separately and add 10–15% for shaping.
- • Patterned runners: allow extra so the pattern sits centrally on each step.
Definition
A stair runner calculator works out how many linear metres of runner a staircase needs. Runners are sold by the length at a fixed width (often 60–70 cm), so the length is what you order.
Explanation
Measure one tread (the flat part) and one riser (the upright) at the middle of the stair, add the extra that wraps round the nosing, and multiply by the number of steps. Add any landing the runner continues across and an allowance at the top and bottom for turning under or trimming. Winders are different on every line, so measure each one where the runner will sit.
Runner vs full stair carpet
| Runner | Full carpet | |
|---|---|---|
| Bought by | Linear metre at a set width | Square metre off a 4 m or 5 m roll |
| Shows the stair | Yes, painted or wood edges | No |
| Fixings | Gripper and rods or tacks | Gripper |
Worked example
13 steps with 23 cm treads, 20 cm risers and a 2 cm nosing wrap is 5.85 m, plus a 0.9 m landing and 10 cm at the ends = 6.85 m, so order 6.9 m and 13 rods.
Summary
Measure one step carefully, count the steps and add the landing. For full stair carpet use the stair carpet calculator instead.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I measure stairs for a runner?
- Measure one tread depth and one riser height in centimetres at the middle of the stair, count the steps, and measure any landing along the line the runner will take.
- How many stair rods do I need?
- Usually one per riser, so the same as the number of steps.
Related resources
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