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Calixo

Stair Calculator

Find the number of steps and exact riser height for a staircase.

Inputs

Total vertical height the stairs need to climb.

Saved Scenarios

— select 2+ to compare

Number of Steps

15

Actual Riser Height (cm)

18.00

Spark says

How it's calculated

Formula

Steps=round(Total RiseTarget Riser)Actual Riser=Total RiseStepsSteps = round\left(\dfrac{Total\ Rise}{Target\ Riser}\right) \quad\quad Actual\ Riser = \dfrac{Total\ Rise}{Steps}
Total\ Rise
— Full vertical height to climb

What is the Stair Calculator?

Since a staircase needs a whole number of equal steps, the target riser height rarely divides evenly — this calculator rounds to the nearest whole step count and shows the exact resulting riser height.

How to use it

  1. 1 Enter the total vertical rise the stairs must cover.
  2. 2 Enter your target (ideal) riser height.

Worked examples

270cm total rise, 18cm target riser

15 steps at exactly 18cm each.

Try it

Limitations

  • •Building codes typically set minimum and maximum riser heights and tread depths — check local regulations before finalizing a design.

Frequently asked questions

What's a comfortable riser height?

Many residential building codes target 15-20cm (roughly 6-8 inches) per riser for comfortable, safe stairs — check your local code for exact limits.