Free Guide to Measuring for a Stair Runner

Understanding Stair Runner Basics and Measurements

A stair runner is a long, narrow carpet or rug that covers the center of your staircase. Unlike wall-to-wall carpet that covers an entire staircase, a runner typically leaves exposed wood or flooring on both sides. Runners come in various widths, most commonly 27 inches, 30 inches, or 36 inches wide. The choice of width depends on your staircase dimensions and personal preference for how much of the stairs remain visible.

Before you measure, understand the anatomy of your staircase. Each step consists of a tread (the horizontal part you step on) and a riser (the vertical part between steps). A standard residential staircase has treads that are 10 to 11 inches deep and risers that are 7 to 8 inches tall, though these dimensions vary. Some staircases have open risers, meaning there is no vertical panel between steps, while closed-riser staircases have solid panels underneath each tread.

The landing is the flat area at the top or bottom of your staircase where the stairs meet a floor or hallway. Many staircases have landings in the middle where the staircase changes direction. Measuring accurately requires accounting for both the regular steps and any landings your staircase contains.

Stair runners serve both practical and decorative purposes. They reduce noise when people walk up and down stairs, protect the underlying flooring from wear, and add visual interest to your home. A properly measured runner will sit centered on your staircase, creating a balanced appearance. Incorrect measurements can result in a runner that is too narrow, too wide, or too short, none of which will look correct or function as intended.

Practical Takeaway: Measure your staircase width first to determine what runner width will work for your space, then use that information to guide your other measurements.

Measuring the Width of Your Staircase

The width of your staircase opening is the first measurement you need because it determines what size runner you can install. This is the distance from the inside of one wall to the inside of the other wall at the widest point of your staircase. Use a measuring tape and measure this distance at several points along the staircase—at the top, middle, and bottom. Write down all three measurements because staircases are not always perfectly uniform.

If your measurements vary by more than half an inch, use the largest measurement. This ensures your runner will fit throughout the entire staircase. Most staircases range from 36 to 48 inches wide, though some residential staircases are narrower or wider.

Once you know your staircase width, you can determine your runner width. A general rule is to leave 6 to 12 inches of exposed flooring or stair on each side of the runner. So if your staircase is 42 inches wide, you might choose a 27-inch runner or a 30-inch runner, both of which will leave visible space on each side. A 36-inch runner in a 42-inch-wide staircase would leave only 3 inches on each side, which may look too narrow.

Some people prefer more exposed wood, while others like a runner that takes up more of the stair width. There is no single correct answer, only what looks good in your home and what is practical for your use. If you have children or elderly people in your home, a wider runner can provide more surface for stable footing.

Write down your staircase width and the runner width you've chosen before moving to the next measurement. This information is essential for calculating the total length you'll need.

Practical Takeaway: Measure your staircase width in three locations, use the largest number, and choose a runner width that leaves at least 6 inches of visible space on each side for a balanced look.

Measuring the Length of Your Staircase Run

The length of your staircase is the most complex measurement because it includes both the horizontal treads and vertical risers. This measurement determines how much runner material you need to purchase. There are two common ways to measure: the horizontal method and the "going" method.

The horizontal method measures only the horizontal distance covered by all your treads combined. To use this method, count the number of treads on your staircase. Most residential staircases have between 12 and 20 treads. Measure the depth of one tread from the front edge to where the next riser begins. A standard residential tread is 10 to 11 inches deep. Multiply the number of treads by the depth of one tread. For example, if you have 15 treads that are each 10.5 inches deep, your horizontal distance is 157.5 inches (15 x 10.5). You would then add the length of any landings to this number.

The "going" method measures the distance a runner actually travels when laid on your stairs, which accounts for both treads and risers. To use this method, measure from where the runner will start at the bottom of your staircase to where it will end at the top, following the actual path the runner will take. You can do this by laying a measuring tape along the stairs, from the beginning point to the end point, following the contours of each tread and riser. This method is more accurate for orders because it reflects the actual length of material needed.

If your staircase has landings, measure each section separately. For example, if your staircase goes up 8 stairs, turns at a landing, then goes up 7 more stairs, measure the first section, the landing, and the second section separately, then add these numbers together. Don't forget to include the landing as part of your total length measurement.

Practical Takeaway: Use the "going" method by laying a measuring tape along the actual path your runner will take, following each tread and riser, for the most accurate total length measurement.

Accounting for Landings and Staircase Turns

Many staircases include landings—flat sections where stairs change direction or connect to a hallway or room. These landings are important to account for in your measurement because they affect the total length of runner you need. There are different types of landings: mid-flight landings (where stairs change direction), top landings (where stairs meet an upper floor), and bottom landings (where stairs meet a lower floor).

When measuring a staircase with a mid-flight landing, measure each section separately. For example, if stairs go up 10 steps, there is a landing, and then stairs go up 8 more steps, measure from your starting point to the end of the first 10 steps, then measure across the landing, then measure from the beginning of the second set of 8 steps to their end. Add all three measurements together for your total length.

The landing itself contributes to the runner length. If your runner will continue across the landing, measure the full depth of that landing. Many people choose to run their stair runner across landings to create continuity, though some prefer to stop the runner at the edge of a landing. Decide before measuring whether your runner will cover the landing or stop before it.

L-shaped staircases with 90-degree turns require careful measurement at the turn point. The runner will navigate the corner, so you need enough length to cover all treads, risers, and the turning portion. An L-shaped staircase with 10 steps going one direction, a landing, and 8 steps going another direction requires careful measurement through the transition point.

Some staircases are curved or spiral-shaped. These are more complex to measure and may require professional installation help. For curved staircases, you may still measure tread-by-tread using the going method, following the curve of the staircase as you measure.

Practical Takeaway: Measure each section of a multi-turn staircase separately (before the landing, across the landing, after the landing), then add these sections together for your total length.

Measuring for Padding and Installation Points

Stair runners typically require padding underneath to provide cushioning, reduce noise, and extend the life of the runner. When measuring, consider the padding you'll use because this affects how tightly the runner fits on your stairs. Most st