Thinking of carpeting your stairs? Before you buy that plush runner or durable twist pile, you’ll need to measure your stairs accurately. Whether you’re doing it yourself or preparing for a fitter, here’s how to calculate the amount of carpet you’ll need.
“Measure twice, cut once — especially when it comes to stairs.”
Why Measuring Stairs Matters
Incorrect measurements can result in:
Buying too much carpet and wasting money
Coming up short and delaying installation
Visible seams or unsafe joins
Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.
Tools You’ll Need
Tape measure (rigid or cloth)
Calculator (or use our tool below)
Notebook or phone to record values
What to Measure
For Straight Stairs:
Measure the following:
Tread depth (horizontal part of the stair)
Riser height (vertical part of the stair)
Number of steps (including landings)
Stair width (if you’re carpeting the full width)
Example: 10 stairs with 9″ treads and 7″ risers = (10 x (9 + 7)) = 160″ = approx. 13.3 ft of carpet needed (plus waste).
For Winder or Curved Stairs:
These need a template or pro assessment, but a rough estimate can be done by measuring the longest tread and riser and multiplying as above.
Stair Carpet Calculator
Pro Tips
Add 10% extra for cutting, waste, and errors
Don’t forget the landing if it’s being carpeted too
Use a gripper rod and underlay for a neater finish
What About Windows?
While you’re improving your home’s interior, don’t forget the finer details. Want to know the right way to measure windows for a sleek blind installation?
👉 Check out our How to Measure Windows for Blinds guide for expert help.
Final Thoughts
Measuring stairs for carpet is easier than most people think — and with the calculator above, you can confidently order just the right amount of material. Save time, money, and hassle.
Have a question or want help measuring trickier staircases? Drop us a message — we’re happy to help!