How Many Steps for a Two-Story Staircase (144 in Rise)?
A two-story staircase with a 144-inch total rise, 7-inch risers, and 11-inch treads requires approximately 21 steps.
How to use this tool
- Enter the total vertical rise (floor-to-floor height) in inches.
- Enter your target rise per step (7 to 7.75 inches per code).
- Enter the desired tread run (10+ inches per code).
- The calculator returns exact step count, actual rise, and total horizontal run.
Calculate the number of steps and total stringer length for a full two-story interior staircase from ground floor to second floor.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I calculate stair rise and run?
- Divide the total vertical rise by your target rise per step to get the number of steps (round to nearest whole number). Then recalculate: actual rise = total rise ÷ steps.
- What is the code for stair rise and run?
- IRC building code requires a maximum rise of 7-3/4 inches and minimum run (tread depth) of 10 inches per step. Check local codes as they may vary.