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:
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Buying too much carpet and wasting money
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Coming up short and delaying installation
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Visible seams or unsafe joins
Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.
Tools You’ll Need
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Tape measure (rigid or cloth)
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Calculator (or use our tool below)
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Notebook or phone to record values
What to Measure
For Straight Stairs:
Measure the following:
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Tread depth (horizontal part of the stair)
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Riser height (vertical part of the stair)
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Number of steps (including landings)
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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
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Add 10% extra for cutting, waste, and errors
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Don’t forget the landing if it’s being carpeted too
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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!