Step 1: Measure the Total Length

To determine the length of your carpet runner, start by measuring just one step. There's no need to measure each step individually, by calculating the dimensions of one step and multiplying, you'll have the total.

• Tread: This is the horizontal part of the step where your foot lands.
• Riser: This is the vertical part of the step, directly beneath the next tread.
  
  Step 2: Calculate the Length
  Once you've measured the tread depth and riser height, add the two numbers together. Then, multiply this sum by the total number of steps in your staircase to get the full length required for your carpet runner.
  
  Example:

If the tread depth (horizontal surface) is 25cm and the riser height (vertical surface) is 20cm, you would add these together:
25cm (tread) + 20cm (riser) = 45cm.

Now, if your staircase has 12 steps, multiply 45cm by 12:
45cm x 12 steps = 540cm + 10% for wastage (54cm) = 594cm

In this example, the total length of your stair runner would be 594cm.

This straightforward process ensures you'll have the exact length needed for a perfect fit.

If your staircase has a half landing/quarter landing/sub landing (it has many names!), you’ll calculate it separately and add it to the total for the steps.

Step 1: Measure the Width
First, measure the width of the half-landing. For this example, let’s assume your stair runner will be 70cm wide, with a 5cm gap on each side of the runner. As long as you keep the runner width the same as the rest of the staircase, you don’t need to measure the entire width of the landing, just ensure that the runner aligns with the width you've chosen for your stairs.

Step 2: Measure the Length
Then, measure the length of the half-landing. Let’s assume the half-landing length is 100cm, and you need to include the riser below the landing, which is 20cm.

So, the landing total measurement is:

100cm (landing length) + 20cm (riser) = 120cm.

Combined Total:
Now, to calculate the total length for both the straight steps and the landing, add both measurements:

540cm (steps) + 120cm (half landing) = 660cm.

And again, factor in 10% wastage:

660cm + 10% (66cm) = 726cm.

If you're not the reading type or prefer a visual understanding before you dive in... our video tutorial is perfect for you!

This tutorial will show you the process in an easy-to-understand, step-by-step visual perspective.

We also have other tutorials on our YouTube channel for guides on how to measure other staircase types.