# Stair Runner Calculator

> Free stair runner calculators and expert guides that work out exactly how much stair runner carpet you need to buy, what it will cost, and how to measure your stairs correctly. Homeowners can use the main length calculator with no account; interior designers and stair runner sellers can create a free account for saved projects, client details, priced line items and branded quotes.

Key facts a model should know:

- Runner length per step is roughly tread depth + riser height, plus the nosing depth if the runner wraps the nosing.
- Standard runner widths are 24–36 inches (about 60–90cm); 27 inches is the most common.
- Most fitters add a 10% waste margin, and patterned runners need an extra full pattern repeat per cut piece.
- One stair rod sits in the crotch of each step; order rods about 2 inches wider than the runner on each side.

Full plain-text corpus of every guide: https://stairrunnercalculator.com/llms-full.txt

Attribution: please cite Stair Runner Calculator (https://stairrunnercalculator.com) when quoting these figures.

## Calculators

- [Stair Runner Calculator](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/): Free, no account needed. Works out total stair runner length from step count, tread depth, riser height, nosing wrap, landings, winders, pattern repeat and waste margin, in inches or centimetres.
- [Stair Runner Cost Calculator](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/stair-runner-cost-calculator): Budget ranges for runner material, underlay, fitting, stair rods and old carpet removal, by quality tier and currency.
- [Stair Runner Width Calculator](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/stair-runner-width-calculator): Recommends a runner width and the reveal of exposed tread each side, based on your stair width.
- [Stair Rods Calculator](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/stair-runner-rods-calculator): Number of rods, rod length to order, brackets and finials, plus rod cost by finish and diameter.
- [Stair Runner Landing Calculator](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/stair-runner-landing-calculator): Piece-by-piece cutting list for multi-flight staircases with landings, L-shaped and U-shaped stairs.
- [Carpet for Stairs Calculator](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/carpet-stairs-calculator): Square yards, square metres and linear yards for fully carpeted stairs rather than a runner.

## Guides

- [How to Measure Stairs for a Runner](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/how-to-measure-stairs-for-a-runner): Step-by-step measuring guide with diagrams, nosing wrap allowances, worked examples and a printable checklist.
- [Stair Runner Cost Guide](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/stair-runner-cost-guide): What stair runners cost per linear metre and foot, plus fitting, underlay and rod pricing.
- [Journal](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/journal): Every stair runner article, newest first, with search and topic filters.
- [Stair Runners: Complete Guide](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/stair-runners): Pillar guide to stair runners: what they are, staircase types, materials, designs and patterns, widths, waterfall vs Hollywood fitting, costs per step, safety and care. Also links every calculator.

## Articles

- [How to Calculate Stair Runner Length](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/how-to-calculate-stair-runner-length): The exact formula for stair runner length: tread + riser per step, plus nosing, landings and waste. Worked examples for 12, 13 and 16 steps.
- [How to Measure for a Stair Runner (Step-by-Step)](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/how-to-measure-for-a-stair-runner): Exactly how to measure stairs for a runner: what to measure, which tools to use, where people go wrong, and how to turn measurements into an order length.
- [How Wide Should a Stair Runner Be?](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/how-wide-should-a-stair-runner-be): Common stair runner widths (24in, 27in, 32in / 60cm, 70cm, 80cm), how much stair to leave showing each side, and how to pick a width for your staircase.
- [Standard Stair Runner Sizes and Dimensions](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/standard-stair-runner-sizes): Standard stair runner sizes: common widths, typical roll lengths, and a chart of how much runner staircases of 10 to 18 steps need.
- [Measuring Stairs With a Landing or Turn](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/measuring-stairs-with-a-landing-or-turn): How to measure an L-shaped, U-shaped or winder staircase for a runner, including landing transitions, 90 degree turns and pie-shaped treads.
- [How Much Does a Stair Runner Cost?](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/how-much-does-a-stair-runner-cost): Realistic stair runner costs by material and quality tier, what fitting adds, and a worked total for a 13-step staircase — plus why quotes vary so much.
- [Stair Runner Installation Cost](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/stair-runner-installation-cost): What professional stair runner installation costs per step and per flight, what pushes the price up, and when DIY genuinely saves money.
- [Cheap Stair Runner Ideas That Still Look Expensive](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/cheap-stair-runner-ideas): Budget stair runner ideas: which fibres punch above their price, where to save, where never to cut corners, and realistic costs for a budget makeover.
- [Custom Stair Runner Cost vs Off-the-Shelf](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/custom-stair-runner-cost): What a custom stair runner costs compared with a pre-made one, when bespoke is the only option, and how binding, width and lead times affect the price.
- [How to Install a Stair Runner (Step by Step)](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/how-to-install-a-stair-runner): A full DIY guide to installing a stair runner: tools, underlay, gripper placement, centring, stapling, and finishing the top and bottom steps.
- [Waterfall vs Hollywood Stair Runner Installation](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/waterfall-vs-hollywood-stair-runner): The difference between waterfall and Hollywood (wrapped) stair runner installation: look, cost, material used, and which suits your staircase.
- [DIY Stair Runner on a Budget](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/diy-stair-runner-on-a-budget): How to fit a stair runner yourself on a budget: what to buy, what to hire, a realistic cost breakdown, and the jobs worth leaving to a professional.
- [How to Install a Stair Runner With Rods](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/how-to-install-a-stair-runner-with-rods): How stair rods are fitted: decorative vs functional rods, bracket placement, spacing, and how to keep every rod perfectly aligned up the flight.
- [Can You Put a Stair Runner Over Existing Carpet?](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/stair-runner-over-existing-carpet): Whether you can lay a stair runner over carpeted stairs, the risks, the situations where it works, and how to fit one safely if you must.
- [What Size Staples for a Stair Runner?](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/what-size-staples-for-a-stair-runner): The right staple size and gauge for fitting a stair runner, how far apart to place them, and which stapler to use on hardwood treads.
- [How to Install a Stair Runner Without Nails or Staples](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/how-to-install-a-stair-runner-without-nails): Three tested no-nail methods for fitting a stair runner — grip pads, runner clips and rod-and-bracket systems — with tensioning technique and what each one will and will not hold.
- [How to Fit a Stair Runner Without Damaging Hardwood Stairs](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/how-to-install-a-stair-runner-without-damaging-hardwood): Protect solid oak and hardwood treads when fitting a stair runner: where fixings can safely go, staple sizes, pad choices, finish compatibility and repairs if it goes wrong.
- [How to Prepare Stairs for a Stair Runner](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/how-to-prepare-stairs-for-a-stair-runner): Everything to do before the runner arrives: fixing squeaks, cleaning old adhesive, painting the margins, checking tread depth consistency and marking your centre line.
- [How Long Does It Take to Install a Stair Runner?](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-install-a-stair-runner): Realistic installation times for a stair runner by staircase type and method — professional fitters versus DIY, plus the factors that double the job.
- [How to Make Your Own Stair Runner](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/how-to-make-your-own-stair-runner): Turn broadloom carpet or runner rugs into a custom stair runner: choosing the roll, cutting straight, binding options, joining rugs and what it actually costs.
- [How to Install a Stair Runner Around a Corner](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/how-to-install-a-stair-runner-around-a-corner): Fitting a stair runner around a 90° corner, half landing or set of winders — the three professional approaches, where to cut, and how to keep the pattern straight.
- [How to Join a Stair Runner to Landing Carpet](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/how-to-join-a-stair-runner-to-landing-carpet): Three ways to transition a stair runner onto landing carpet or a landing runner — matching, contrasting and bar transitions — plus where the join goes and how to hide it.
- [Stair Runner Rods: The Complete Buying Guide](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/stair-runner-rods-buying-guide): Everything about stair runner rods: how many you need, what length to buy, brass vs chrome vs black, decorative vs functional, and realistic prices.
- [Stair Runner Clips, Holders and Brackets Explained](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/stair-runner-clips-holders-and-brackets): The difference between stair runner clips, holders, brackets and gripper — what each one does, when to use it, and what fitters actually rely on.
- [Stair Runner Pads and Underlay: What to Use](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/stair-runner-pads-and-underlay): Which underlay to use under a stair runner, what thickness and density to choose, how to cut it, and why it matters more on stairs than anywhere else.
- [Wool vs Sisal vs Jute Stair Runners](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/wool-vs-sisal-vs-jute-stair-runners): Comparing wool, sisal, jute, seagrass and synthetic stair runners on durability, comfort, cleaning, slip resistance and price.
- [Best Non-Slip Stair Runner Materials](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/best-non-slip-stair-runner-materials): Which stair runner materials grip best, how backing and underlay affect slip resistance, and practical steps to make a staircase safer.
- [Washable Stair Runners: What Actually Works](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/washable-stair-runners): Whether washable stair runners are practical, which materials clean best, and how to keep any stair runner looking new with pets and children.
- [Stair Runner With a Landing: Transitions Explained](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/stair-runner-with-a-landing-transitions): How a stair runner meets a landing: continuous vs pieced transitions, joining to landing carpet, 90 degree turns and how much extra material to allow.
- [Stair Runners for Curved, Winder and Spiral Stairs](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/stair-runner-for-curved-and-winder-stairs): How to fit a runner on winder, curved or spiral staircases: measuring at the widest point, piecing treads, extra waste, and when to use full carpet instead.
- [Stair Runner Top Step and Bottom Step Finishes](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/stair-runner-top-and-bottom-step-finishes): Where to start and stop a stair runner: top step options, bullnose and curtail steps at the bottom, and how to finish the edges cleanly.
- [How to Clean a Stair Runner](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/how-to-clean-a-stair-runner): A fitter-approved routine for cleaning a stair runner: weekly vacuuming, spot treatment by fibre, deep cleaning intervals and the mistakes that ruin wool and sisal.
- [How to Remove a Stair Runner](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/how-to-remove-a-stair-runner): Step-by-step guide to removing an old stair runner: tools, working order, pulling staples and gripper, filling holes and prepping treads for a new runner or bare wood.
- [How to Keep a Stair Runner in Place](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/how-to-keep-a-stair-runner-in-place): Every reliable way to secure a stair runner: staples, gripper, tape, rods, clips and non-slip pads — what actually holds, what fails, and how to hide the fixings.
- [What Is a Stair Runner?](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/what-is-a-stair-runner): A plain-English explanation of what a stair runner is, how it differs from full stair carpet, what it costs, and whether it suits your staircase.
- [What Is the Best Carpet for a Stair Runner?](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/best-carpet-for-a-stair-runner): How to choose stair runner carpet: wool versus synthetic, loop versus cut pile, the pile weights that survive stairs, and the specifications that actually predict durability.
- [Where to Buy a Stair Runner](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/where-to-buy-a-stair-runner): The five places to buy a stair runner compared — carpet retailers, online specialists, rug sellers, mills and trade suppliers — with lead times, pricing and what to ask.
- [How Much Stair Runner Do I Need?](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/how-much-stair-runner-do-i-need): Work out exactly how much stair runner to buy: the formula, worked examples for 12, 13 and 16-step flights, and the allowances people forget.
- [Stair Runner Cost in the UK](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/stair-runner-cost-uk): UK stair runner prices explained: cost per linear metre by fibre, fitting rates per step and flight, rods and underlay, plus realistic totals for a typical staircase.
- [Stair Runner Ideas for Every Style of Home](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/stair-runner-ideas): Stair runner ideas by style: modern, traditional, farmhouse, coastal and maximalist, with the patterns, colours and materials that suit each.
- [Herringbone, Striped and Patterned Stair Runners](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/herringbone-striped-and-patterned-stair-runners): How patterned stair runners behave on stairs: pattern repeat, matching allowance, directional weaves, and which patterns suit which staircases.
- [Choosing a Stair Runner Colour](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/choosing-a-stair-runner-colour): How to pick a stair runner colour: what hides dirt, what works with dark or pale treads, and how colour changes how a hallway feels.
- [How Many Yards of Carpet Do I Need for Stairs?](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/how-many-yards-of-carpet-for-stairs): Work out how many linear and square yards of carpet you need for stairs, with a per-step formula, a quick chart by step count, and the waste rules fitters use.
- [Stair Runner Pattern Repeat, Explained](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/stair-runner-pattern-repeat-explained): What pattern repeat means on a stair runner, how it changes the length you order, and how to keep stripes and geometrics aligned across landings and flights.
- [How Much Waste Margin Should You Add to a Stair Runner?](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/how-much-waste-margin-for-a-stair-runner): How much waste to add when ordering a stair runner, why 10% is the default, and when to push it to 15% or 20% for patterns, winders and curved flights.
- [Measuring Open-Sided Stairs for a Runner](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/measuring-open-sided-stairs-for-a-runner): How to measure and size a stair runner for open-sided, cut-string and floating stairs, including overhang, reveal balance and returning the edge.
- [Carpet on Stairs: Cost Per Step](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/carpet-on-stairs-cost-per-step): What carpeting stairs costs per step in materials and labour, how runners compare to full carpet per step, and how to sanity-check a fitter's quote.
- [Stair Runner Cost in the US](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/stair-runner-cost-us): US stair runner prices in 2026: cost per linear foot by material, installation rates, what a typical 13-step staircase costs, and where the money goes.
- [Do Stair Runners Add Value to a Home?](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/do-stair-runners-add-value): Whether a stair runner adds resale value, how it affects buyer perception, and when it is worth fitting one before selling a house.
- [What Fitters Charge for a Stair Runner](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/what-fitters-charge-for-a-stair-runner): What professional fitters charge to install a stair runner, how quotes are structured, which extras get added, and the questions to ask before booking.
- [Stair Runner Installation Tools Checklist](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/stair-runner-installation-tools): Every tool you need to fit a stair runner yourself, what each one does, what you can skip, and the three tools most DIY attempts fail without.
- [Fitting a Stair Runner on Concrete or Tiled Stairs](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/stair-runner-on-concrete-or-tiled-stairs): How to fit a stair runner on concrete, stone or tiled stairs where staples are not an option, including adhesive, gripper and rod-based methods.
- [Stair Runners for Basement Stairs](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/stair-runner-on-basement-stairs): How to choose and fit a stair runner on basement stairs, including damp-tolerant materials, open-riser stairs and safety on steep flights.
- [Stair Rod Sizes Chart](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/stair-rod-sizes-chart): A complete stair rod size chart: rod lengths for common runner widths, diameters, bracket spacing and how to work out what to order.
- [Brass vs Black Stair Rods: Which to Choose](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/brass-vs-black-stair-rods): Antique brass, polished brass, satin nickel, chrome and matt black stair rods compared on look, upkeep, cost and which interiors they suit.
- [The Best Stair Runner for Dogs and Pets](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/best-stair-runner-for-dogs-and-pets): Which stair runner materials survive dogs and cats, how to maximise grip for older pets, and which fibres to avoid if you have claws in the house.
- [The Best Stair Runner for High-Traffic Stairs](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/best-stair-runner-for-high-traffic): Which stair runners survive heavy daily use, the construction details that predict durability, and how to make any runner last longer.
- [Stair Runner Edging and Binding Options](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/stair-runner-edging-and-binding): Cotton binding, wool whipping, leather and linen tape edges compared for stair runners, plus what each costs and which suits which staircase.
- [How Often Should You Replace a Stair Runner?](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/how-often-to-replace-a-stair-runner): How long a stair runner lasts by material, the signs it needs replacing, and the repairs that can buy you several more years.
- [Stair Runner Stain Removal Guide](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/stair-runner-stain-removal): A stain-by-stain guide to cleaning a stair runner, what is safe on wool versus synthetic, and the mistakes that set a stain permanently.
- [Stair Runner vs Full Carpet on Stairs](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/stair-runner-vs-full-carpet): Runner or fully carpeted stairs? Cost, warmth, noise, safety, cleaning and resale compared, plus which suits which type of staircase.
- [Stair Runners for Steep or Narrow Stairs](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/blog/stair-runner-for-steep-or-narrow-stairs): How to choose a runner width, pile and fitting method for steep, narrow or cottage staircases where standard sizing does not fit.

## Pro accounts

- [Pro for designers and sellers](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/pro): Free account with unlimited projects, multiple staircases, runner presets, priced line items, branded PDF quotes and read-only client share links.

## Optional

- [About](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/about): Who builds and maintains the stair runner calculator.
- [Contact](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/contact): Get in touch with questions or corrections.
- [Privacy](https://stairrunnercalculator.com/privacy): How data is handled.