How to Measure Stairs for Carpet

Width x ((Run+Rise+Nose) x Number of stairs) = Area

measuring stairs for carpet or flooring

For a straight staircase:

  1. Measure the rise and run. Add them together. Include an inch or two extra to wrap around the nose.
    • Rise: height of the step.
    • Run: length of the step.
  2. Multiply that by the number of stairs.
  3. Divide by 12 and round up to get the number of feet.
  4. Measure the width of the stairs and round up to the nearest foot.
  5. Multiply the width from step 4 by the length from step 3.
  6. Add in any landings you have. Multiply the width and length of the landing. Add that number.

If you have an irregular, circular or unique setup, it’s best to hire a professional.

For a stairwell with 13 stairs and one landing:

  1. 7+7+2 = 16 inches. 7 inches for each rise and run plus two inches for the nose and overage
  2. 16 inches x 13 stairs = 208 inches.
  3. 208 inches/12 = 17.33 (round up) = 18 feet.
  4. 4 x 18 = 72 square feet. Width is 4 feet.
  5. 4 x 4 = 16 square feet for the 4-foot by 4-foot landing.
  6. 72+16 = 88 total square feet.