Stair Runner Length CalculatorInstallation style
Waterfall stair runner length calculator
Waterfall is the simpler of the two classic installation styles: the runner runs off the front of the tread and falls straight down to meet the next tread, without being pushed into the corner behind the nosing.
It uses slightly less material than Hollywood, installs faster, and suits thicker or stiffer runners such as sisal.
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
Length for waterfall style
Waterfall length is close to steps × (tread + riser), with only a small allowance over the nosing itself — typically 0.5 to 1 in per step depending on how pronounced the bullnose is.
Waterfall versus Hollywood on material
Hollywood pushes the runner into the back corner of every step, adding roughly 1 to 2 in per step. Across 15 steps that is up to 30 in — over two feet of extra runner.
When waterfall is the right choice
Choose waterfall for thick, stiff or heavily textured runners, for a more casual look, and where the nosing profile is square rather than deeply rounded.
Questions people ask
- Does waterfall installation use less runner?
- Slightly, yes — about 1 to 2 inches less per step than Hollywood, because the runner is not pushed into the corner behind each nosing.
- Which style is better for sisal?
- Waterfall. Stiff natural fibres do not tuck neatly into the riser corner and can crease if forced.