Unit-specific calculation

Metric stair runner length calculator

This is the metric-first view of the calculator: inputs in centimetres, results in metres, pricing per linear metre, and runner widths quoted the way European and Australasian suppliers quote them.

There is no hidden imperial conversion in the middle — you can work entirely in metric from measurement to order.

Your staircase

Start from typical stair sizes where you live

IRC-style stairs: 10 in minimum tread, 7¾ in maximum riser. Runners are usually 27 in or 32 in wide and sold by the linear foot.

Number of stairs

Count every step you will cover.

Tread depth (in)

Front edge to back of the step. Fractions like 10 1/2 work.

Riser height (in)

The vertical face between two treads.

Waste allowance

Custom%

10% is a common starting point; pattern matching and winders need more.

Add a nosing / overhang allowance per step

Needed when the runner wraps around a projecting nose (Hollywood installs and thick pads). Waterfall installs usually don't need it.

Your stair runner length

20 ft 3.1 in

Total runner required for 13 steps, including a 10% waste allowance.

Total runner length in each unit
Inches	243.1 in
Feet	20.26 ft
Feet & inches	20 ft 3.1 in
Yards	6.75 yd
Meters	6.17 m
Centimeters	617.47 cm

Recommended purchase length

21 ft

7 yd · 6.4 m · 252 in

This calculator provides an estimate based on the measurements and installation assumptions you enter. Complex, curved or winder staircases may require professional measurement.

Your measurements, drawn to scale

Side elevation of a staircase. The runner travels across each tread and down each riser, so every step consumes tread depth plus riser height of material.

What changes in metric mode

Field labels switch to cm, the runner width check compares against 70 cm and 80 cm rolls rather than 27 in and 32 in, the seam planner uses metre roll lengths, and the cost estimate prices per linear metre in your chosen currency.

Typical metric dimensions

UK and Ireland: 22.5 cm going, 19 cm rise, 68 to 70 cm runner. Australia and New Zealand: 25 cm going, 17.5 cm rise, 70 cm runner. Continental Europe: 28 cm going, 17 cm rise, 70 cm runner. Regional presets in the calculator fill these in for you.

Reveal in centimetres

Reveal is the bare stair showing each side of the runner: (stair width − runner width) ÷ 2. A 90 cm stair with a 70 cm runner leaves 10 cm each side, which sits right in the 7 to 13 cm range most designers aim for.

Questions people ask

What is a standard stair runner width in cm?: 70 cm is the most common, with 60 cm and 80 cm also widely stocked. Choose the width that leaves 7 to 13 cm of bare stair on each side.
Can I mix metric and imperial inputs?: Pick one unit system per calculation. You can switch at any time and the values convert, but entering some fields in inches and others in centimetres will give a wrong total.

Related guides

See all stair runner calculator guides