Stair Tread Calculator

The Stair Tread Calculator helps users determine the optimal configuration and dimensions for building a staircase based on user inputs such as total rise, total run, riser height, and tread depth.

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How to Use the Stair Tread Calculator

This guide will take you through the step-by-step process of using the Stair Tread Calculator to determine the ideal stair configuration for your project. Follow these steps carefully to ensure accurate results.

Step 1: Input Fields

Begin by entering the required information in the input fields:

  1. Total Rise (inches): Enter the total vertical height of the stair from the bottom to the top landing. The value must be between 24 and 240 inches.
  2. Total Run (inches): Enter the total horizontal length of the stair. Ensure it is a value between 36 and 360 inches.
  3. Desired Riser Height (inches): Input the height you prefer for each riser. This value should be between 4 and 7.75 inches.
  4. Desired Tread Depth (inches): Specify the depth you prefer for each tread, ensuring it falls between 9 and 14 inches.
  5. Stair Type: Select the type of stairs you are planning to build. Choose between “Standard Straight Stairs” and “Stairs with Landing”.

All fields are required and must satisfy the specified validation constraints for accurate calculations.

Step 2: Review Your Input

Once you have entered all the necessary input data, double-check each field to ensure accuracy. Proper input is crucial as it directly impacts the generated results.

Step 3: Understanding the Results

After the inputs are processed, review the calculated results. These will provide you with essential information about your stair design:

  1. Number of Steps: This value shows the total number of steps required. It’s calculated using the formula ceil(totalRise / riserHeight).
  2. Actual Riser Height: The actual height of each riser, calculated by dividing the total rise by the number of steps. The result is represented in inches with three decimal places.
  3. Number of Treads: Displays the total number of treads, which is the number of steps minus one.
  4. Actual Tread Depth: Provides the actual depth of each tread in inches, calculated using totalRun / numberOfTreads.
  5. Stair Angle: Indicates the angle of the stair in degrees, calculated using atan(totalRise / totalRun) * (180 / pi).
  6. Total Stair Length: This is the length of the stair in inches along the slope, calculated using sqrt(pow(totalRise, 2) + pow(totalRun, 2)).
  7. Riser-Tread Ratio: Offers a combined measurement of riser height and tread depth, assisting in evaluating the comfort of the stair design.

Step 4: Applying the Results

Utilize the calculated results to refine or modify your stair design. These values are crucial for ensuring that your stairs meet safety standards and fit within your architectural constraints. Adjust the inputs if necessary and recalculate to achieve a design that best suits your needs.

By following these steps, you can efficiently use the Stair Tread Calculator to develop a well-structured staircase plan.