How To Measure Stairs For Carpet (and Runners)
Quick answer
Count the steps, then measure one tread (the flat part) and one riser (the upright) at the centre of the stair, plus a couple of centimetres to wrap the nosing. Each step needs tread + riser + nosing, by the width of the stair (or of the runner). Measure every winder separately, add the landing, and allow 15–25% for shaping and waste.
Definition
Measuring stairs for carpet means finding the length of carpet each step needs and how wide the stair is, so you can cut the stairs from the roll or order the right length of runner.
Explanation
Straight steps are all the same, so you measure one and multiply. Winders and kite steps are different on every line and need more carpet for shaping, so measure each at its widest. Bullnose bottom steps need extra to wrap the curve. For full carpet, steps are often cut side by side across a 4 m or 5 m width; for a runner, you order the total length at the runner’s width.
Typical UK stair sizes
| Part | Typical size |
|---|---|
| Tread (going) | 22–25 cm |
| Riser | 18–22 cm |
| Steps in a flight | 12–14 |
| Stair width | 80–90 cm |
Examples
- Runner: 13 steps × (23 + 20 + 2 cm) = 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 straight step carefully, every winder on its own, and the landing as a rectangle. The stair carpet and stair runner calculators do the sums, and PlanCutFit adds stairs to the same cut plan and quote as the rooms.
In depth
Measuring a staircase
1. Count and name the steps
Count the risers from bottom to top. Note which are straight, which are winders or kites, and whether the bottom step is a bullnose.
2. Measure one straight step
Measure the tread from the riser to the front of the nosing, and the riser from tread to tread, at the centre of the stair. Add about 2 cm to wrap the nosing.
3. Measure winders one by one
Winders taper, so measure each at its widest on the line the carpet will take. Allow more for shaping: around half as much again as a straight step, more for kite winders.
4. Landing and allowances
Measure the landing as a rectangle and add allowances.
- 10 cm at the top and bottom
- 15–20% for a straight flight with full carpet
- 20–25% with winders or patterned carpet
Frequently asked questions
- Do I measure treads or risers?
- Both. Each step needs the tread and the riser, plus a little to wrap the nosing.
- How do I measure winder stairs?
- Measure each winder on its own at its widest point, because they are all different. Allow extra for shaping, more for kite winders.
- Is the landing included?
- Measure the landing as a separate rectangle. It can often be cut from the same roll as the stairs.
Related resources
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