Stair Runner Length CalculatorStair type
Stair runner length calculator for U-shaped stairs
A U-shaped or switchback stair doubles back on itself around a half landing, so the runner makes a 180° change of direction — always in two or more pieces.
Add the lower flight, the half landing and the upper flight, then apply your waste allowance to the combined total.
Stair runner calculator
Your stair runner length
20 ft 3.1 in
Total runner required for 13 steps, including a 10% waste allowance.
| 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
Half landings are bigger than people expect
A half landing spans the width of both flights plus the gap between them, and the runner usually crosses it in an L or a straight run. Measure the actual runner path — 48 to 60 in is common.
Piece planning
The usual approach is three pieces: lower flight, landing, upper flight. Some fitters run the landing piece into one of the flights. Either way, plan the joins before ordering so the pattern lines up across them.
A worked U-shaped example
Eight steps up, a 54 in half landing, eight steps up again, 10 in tread and 7.5 in riser: (16 × 17.5) + 54 = 334 in. With 10% waste that is 367.4 in, or 30 ft 7 in.
Questions people ask
- How many pieces of runner for a U-shaped staircase?
- Usually three: one for each flight and one for the half landing. The 180° turn cannot be made in a single piece.
- Should the landing pattern line up with the flights?
- Ideally yes. Tell your supplier the pattern must match across joins and add 15% waste rather than 10%.