---
title: How do I measure for a stair runner?
description: "## Measuring for a Straight Staircase ### - A staircase which does not change direction: **-** length is a simple calculation which requires the [tread](https://www.stairrunnerstore.com/docs/tread/) / [riser](https://www.stairrunnerstore.com/docs/riser/) count and the average length needed for each step - *most require between18 and…"
url: "https://www.stairrunnerstore.com/docs/how-do-i-measure-for-a-stair-runner/"
updated: "2026-09-22"
category: FAQ
tags:
  - calculate runner length
  - Measure
  - Riser
  - Tread
---

# How do I measure for a stair runner?

## Measuring for a Straight Staircase

### - A staircase which does not change direction:

**-** length is a simple calculation which requires the [tread](https://www.stairrunnerstore.com/docs/tread/) / [riser](https://www.stairrunnerstore.com/docs/riser/) count and the average length needed for each step - *most require between18 and 19 inches of length per step. ![How do I measure for a stair runner? total step measurement tread, wrap nose plus riser](https://eayei6t27mg.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/step-measurement1-e1524573967901-300x300.jpg?strip=all&resize=239%2C239)*

Please use our [Straight Staircase Calculator](https://www.stairrunnerstore.com/linear-footage-calculator-straight-staircase/) to find the length needed for your [straight staircase](https://www.stairrunnerstore.com/docs/straight-staircase/) project.

**A staircase with a landing requires more information:**
 Please use our [Custom Landing Quote Form -](https://www.stairrunnerstore.com/custom-landing-quote-form/)  Our quote form allows us to reply with a project quote including the length required based on your chosen runner product. * - final length varies based on the runner pattern when there is a landing or other custom fabrication required. *

Please visit our [Plan Your Runner Project](https://www.stairrunnerstore.com/plan-your-project/) page for more detail on all types of projects.

**NOTE:  **Measuring for a stair runner project is certainly important in order to avoid a shortage of material.  Used correctly, the tools and information on our site will help you to come up with the correct calculation and amount of material required. However, a stair runner is never calculated or cut to an exact dimension in advance - it should always be a bit longer than needed, intended to be cut to its final dimension during installation.

*(A hall project most often has a fixed end point and requires an end finish on the runner itself - a hall runner needs to be more precise in its final dimension. Runners are sold in full foot imcrements but we can finish a hall runner to the dimension needed for your space.) *

- Calculating the amount of material needed when using one of our [Custom Width](https://www.stairrunnerstore.com/docs/custom-width/) products is more complex - these products are priced by the square foot. Please* *[Contact Us](https://www.stairrunnerstore.com/contact-us/)* *for more information.

*Please look over the measuring information available on the site - if you find that you still have questions please *[Contact Us](https://www.stairrunnerstore.com/contact-us/)*. *

### Relevant Stair Runner Glossary Articles:

[Riser](https://www.stairrunnerstore.com/docs/riser/)

[Nosing](https://www.stairrunnerstore.com/docs/nosing/)

[Landing](https://www.stairrunnerstore.com/docs/landing/)

[Straight Staircase](https://www.stairrunnerstore.com/docs/straight-staircase/)

[Linear Foot](https://www.stairrunnerstore.com/docs/linear-foot-pricing/)