Stair Geometry
Formula length per step = (tread + riser + nosing) / 12
Costs — Modular Treads
Costs — Broadloom
Actions
Results update after pressing Calculate. Exports include inputs and computed breakdowns.
Quick Tips
- Broadloom is purchased by full roll width, so area uses roll width × required length.
- Pattern repeat rounds total length up to the next multiple of the repeat.
- Nosing wrap increases length per step and is often 1–2 inches.
Example Scenarios
| # | Steps | Width (in) | Tread (in) | Riser (in) | Nosing (in) | Roll (ft) | Pattern (in) | Landing (in) | Mod Price | Mod Install | Broad $/ft² | Broad Install/step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13 | 36 | 10 | 7.5 | 1.5 | 12 | 18 | 0 | 35 | 8 | 3.5 | 12 |
| 2 | 14 | 40 | 11 | 7 | 1.0 | 12 | 12 | 36 | 42 | 9 | 3.2 | 11 |
| 3 | 12 | 34 | 10 | 7.5 | 2.0 | 15 | 24 | 0 | 29 | 7 | 4.1 | 13 |
| 4 | 16 | 42 | 10.5 | 7.75 | 1.5 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 38 | 8 | 3.9 | 12 |
| 5 | 15 | 36 | 9.5 | 7.25 | 1.25 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 33 | 8.5 | 3.75 | 12.5 |
Click any row to load its values into the calculator.
Formula Used
Broadloom Length & Area
- Length per step (ft) = (tread depth + riser height + nosing wrap) ÷ 12.
- Total raw length (in) = steps × (tread + riser + nosing) + landing length.
- Pattern rounding: if pattern repeat > 0, round raw length up to the next multiple of the repeat.
- Required length (ft) = rounded length ÷ 12.
- Purchased area (ft²) = roll width (ft) × required length (ft).
- Material cost = purchased area × material rate per ft².
Modular Tread Covers
- Pieces required = number of steps.
- Material cost = pieces × price per tread.
- Adhesive/fastener cost = pieces × per-step amount.
- Install cost = pieces × install per tread.
- Waste/overage = material cost × waste %.
- Total = material + adhesive + install + waste.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter stair geometry: number of steps, width, tread, riser, and nosing wrap. Add a landing if applicable.
- Set the broadloom roll width and pattern repeat. A nonzero repeat rounds total length up to the next multiple.
- Enter pricing for modular treads (material, install, adhesive) and set a modest waste percentage.
- Enter broadloom material price per square foot and install per step. Choose a realistic waste percentage.
- Click Calculate and review the summary and detailed breakdowns. Check the best value badge.
- Export the results to CSV or PDF for quotes, takeoffs, or client documentation.
FAQs
Yes. Broadloom is typically sold by roll width. Even when cutting narrower strips for steps, cost is often based on full-width yardage. This calculator reflects that convention.
Repeats require aligning motifs, which increases required length. We round the total raw length up to the next full repeat to account for matching during installation.
Most residential stairs are narrower than common roll widths. If width exceeds roll width, seaming strategies or different materials are required. Consider modular treads or a runner with binding.
Not always, but many installs wrap around the nosing for a finished edge and durability. Enter your actual allowance or set to zero if using metal profiles or square edges.
For straight runs with minimal seaming, 3–5% for modular and 8–12% for broadloom are common starting points. Increase for complex layouts, patterned goods, or on-site trimming.
Yes. Convert your price per square yard to price per square foot by dividing by 9, then enter that figure. The calculator outputs are in square feet for consistency.