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Stairs & Railing Calculator

Riser and tread layout, stringer length, treads, handrail and balusters.

Layout

Total rise (floor to floor) in inches
Target riser height in inches
Tread depth in inches
Stair width in inches

Material & railing

Waste allowance in percent
Riser height is total rise divided evenly by the number of steps — every step must match within 3/8". Prices are U.S. big-box reference prices. Estimates only — not a quote.

Stairs & Railing Calculator results

Estimated materials $594. Estimate only.

Enter your ZIP to re-price materials, or keep national averages.

Reviewed weekly · price book updated See what changed
Steps
6 risers
7.33" each, 5 treads
Total run
55"
Stringer length about 70"
Estimated total
$594

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Shopping list

ItemQtyUnitTotal
2×12 stringer stock (8')3$34/ea$102
Treads (Pressure treated)6$14/ea$81
Riser boards7$11/ea$77
Handrail6$6/ft$37
Newel posts2$42/ea$84
Balusters18$5/ea$97
Rail bracket / mounting kit1$28/kit$28
Structural screws (box)1$24/box$24
Stringer hangers3$7/ea$20
Concrete for landing pad (60 lb)7$6/bag$43
Includes 10% waste allowance ($25)$594

Build summary

Riser height
7.33"
Treads
5
Total run
55"
Stringers
3 × 8 ft
Handrail
6 ft
Balusters
18
Waste allowance
$25

Cut list & field notes

  • Stringers — 3 @ 2×12 × 8'

    Lay out 6 rises at 7.33" and 5 runs at 11". Drop the bottom riser by the tread thickness.

  • Treads — 5 @ 36" long

    Cut all treads at once off one stop block so every step matches.

  • Risers — 6 @ 7.33" tall × 36"

    Rip the bottom riser to absorb any leftover height at the pad.

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Stair layout for deck and remodel crews

Get the riser math, stringer length and full material list before you cut a single 2×12, plus the code checks that get flagged on inspection and a branded proposal for the client.

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Material and cost output is an estimate, never a quote. Permit content is guidance to verify with your local building department.