1. Measure tread width
measure each tread wall to wall at the front and again at the back. Stairs are rarely square, so the two numbers often differ.
Measuring guide
How to Measure Stairs for New Treads
Accurate measurements let your stair parts be reviewed and quoted correctly. Measure every step separately, in inches, and record each number in the checklist below.
Step-by-step: measuring your stairs
2. Measure tread depth
measure from the face of the riser to the front edge of the tread.
3. Measure riser height
measure the vertical height of each riser, from the top of one tread to the top of the next.
4. Note open sides, returns and landings
record which steps have an open side, whether a return is needed on one or both ends, and any landings that need a nosing.
5. Photograph every step
take a photo of each step, plus the open sides and landings, so the measurements can be checked against the stair itself.
6. Send the measurements with your flooring info
include the flooring brand, product and plank dimensions with your measurements.
Why each step can differ by 1/8 in or more
Walls are seldom perfectly plumb or parallel, framing shifts as a house settles, and treads and risers are often cut and installed one at a time. Over a full flight these small differences add up, so one step can be 1/8 in or more wider, deeper or taller than the next. Measuring every step, front and back, records those differences instead of assuming one size fits all.
When to use a tread template tool
A tread template tool (sometimes called a stair jig) captures the exact angles of the walls at each end of a step. It is useful when walls are out of square, on wall-to-wall treads that must fit tightly between two walls, and on older homes where a tape measure alone may not show the shape of each step.
Printable measurement checklist
| Step | Width front (in) | Width back (in) | Depth (in) | Riser height (in) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| 14 |
Print this page and fill in one row per step. Add rows for additional steps and landings.
Next steps
Use the stair tread calculator to check riser counts and estimate flooring, then send your measurements and flooring details for a written quote.
Common questions
Do I measure stair treads at the front or the back?
Both. Measure each tread wall to wall at the front and at the back, because stairs are rarely square and the two widths often differ.
How do I measure tread depth?
Measure from the face of the riser to the front edge of the tread. If there is an existing nosing, note whether your measurement includes it.
Should I measure every step or just one?
Measure every step. Individual steps can differ by 1/8 in or more, and those differences matter when parts are made to fit.
What should I send with my measurements?
Send your measurement checklist, photos of every step, open sides and landings, and your flooring brand, product and plank dimensions.
Ready for your stair parts?
Pricing and turnaround are confirmed on your written quote.