Stair Stringer Calculator
Calculate risers, treads, actual dimensions, stringer length, cut list, and material quantities for safe, code-friendly wood stairs and deck steps.
Steps / risers
6
7" actual riser
Total estimated cost
$243
stringers + treads
- Actual riser height
- 7 in
- Treads (calculated)
- 6
- Tread depth (input)
- 10 in
- Total run (horizontal)
- 5 ft (60 in)
- Stringer length (each, + allowance)
- 6.3 ft
- Stringer boards needed
- 2 × 12 ft (for 3 stringers)
- Tread boards
- 42 boards (7 per tread)
Cut list (per stringer)
- Riser cuts
- 6 × 7" high
- Tread cuts
- 6 × 10 " deep
- Stringer pitch length
- 6.1 ft (before allowance)
Notch each stringer with the calculated riser and tread dimensions. The top and bottom usually get a plumb cut. Use a framing square or stair gauges for accuracy.
Cost breakdown
- Stringer lumber
- $54
- Tread boards
- $189
- Total
- $243
Stringer length uses the Pythagorean theorem: hypotenuse = √(rise² + run²). A small allowance is added for plumb cuts and birdsmouth. Tread count assumes one tread surface per riser. Always verify local code for max riser (often 7.75"), min tread (10"), and headroom.
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