Features

Stair Calculator

Calculate the the required number of rises, goings and stringer length for a new staircase, is quick and simple using Chippy Tools stair calculator.

Stair Calculator Screenshot

No two sets of stairs are the same, they take many different shapes. Building a staircase on face value may appear to be a simple job, there are many variables, calculations and building codes that need to be considered before starting construction. The specifications for stairs encompass various elements, including the required dimensions such as maximum rise height, minimum rise height, and going length. With customers around around the world, the Chippy Tools stair calculator allows for these specifications to be modified to account for applicable building codes in your region.

Frequently Asked Questions

The term steps and rises are often used interchangeably when building a staircase. To calculate the number of steps required, divide the total rise height by the target rise height. Round the result of this calculation down to the nearest whole number. Divide the total rise height by this number. If this number is within the parameters allowed by your local building code this is the correct number of steps, should this result not fall within the parameters allowed by local building codes add 1 to the the number of steps and recalculate the result.

The maximum and minimum heigh of rises or steps is regulated in many regions around the world through local building codes. It is your responsibly to ensure the output provided by Chippy Tools meets all building codes.
The total number of going is calculated by subtracting 1 from the number of rises or steps required.
To calculate the number of rises required for a staircase, start by dividing the total rise height by the target rise hight. The Chippy Tools calculator starts by taking this result removing decimal places. Chippy Tools will then calculate the required rise height with this number of rises, by diving the total height by the number of rises, ensuring that the the rise height does not exceed the maximum allowed rise height and is not less than the minimum allowed rise height. If the result of this is outside the allowed parameters the Chippy Tools stair calculator will then recalculate adding one to the number of rises.

The maximum and minimum heigh will likely differ based on local building codes, by region around the world. It is your responsibly to ensure the output provided by Chippy Tools meets all building codes. The target height, maximum height and minimum height used might vary depending on the where in the wold you were taught, by default Chippy Tools stair calculator will use a target height of 180 millimetres or 7 ³/₃₂ inches; maximum height of 190 millimetres or 7 ⁷/₁₆ inches; and a minimum height of 130 millimetres or 5 ¹/₈ inches.
The base length is calculated by multiplying the number of going + 1 by the going length.
The string length of a staircase is calculated using the rise and run (or base length). Using the rise and run the stair stringer is calculated using Pythagoras theorem.

Many builders will use other approaches in place of Pythagoras, these may also be fantastic approaches.
The total rise/vertical height is the only required measurement to calculate the number of steps required for a staircase.
Chippy Tools stair calculator calculates the stringer length, rise, going and base length; it does not currently account for a landing, headroom or tread thickness inline with your local building codes.
Chippy Tools was built in Australia where the metric system is the only measurements. All Chippy Tools calculators accept metric measurements in millimetres, centimetres, or meters, simply ensure all measurements are in the same measurement units.
All Chippy Tools calculations work with feet, inches or feet and inches. When using imperial measurements, you are required to enter the unit of measure in the number. Chippy Tools makes this easy by providing an additional row on top of the keyboard with these required units.

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