Standard Stair Tread and Riser Dimensions

Most of our articles revolve around similar topics, with handrails as the main focus. But this time, we’re talking about the stairs themselves, specifically the risers and treads. These two parts determine how comfortable and safe a staircase feels, and getting their measurements right is more important than most people realize.

One of the biggest rules in stair design is that every step must be the same size. Studies have shown that walking up and down stairs is a muscle memory action—your body expects each step to be exactly where the last one was. Even a small difference in riser height or tread depth can throw off your balance and lead to accidents. This article will help if you're renovating your stairs or building new ones.

Standard Measurements for Stair Treads and Risers

Typical stair tread depth and riser height

• Riser height: 7 inches (178 mm)

• Tread depth: 11 inches (279 mm)

Residential vs. commercial stair standards

1. Riser Height:

• Residential: Maximum riser height is 7.75 inches

• Commercial: Maximum riser height is 7 inches

2. Tread Depth:

• Residential: Minimum tread depth is 10 inches

• Commercial: Minimum tread depth is 11 inches

3. Stair Width:

• Residential: Minimum width is 36 inches

• Commercial: Minimum width is 44 inches to accommodate higher foot traffic

4. Handrails:

• Residential: Handrails are required on at least one side of the staircase

• Commercial: Handrails are mandatory on both sides of the staircase

Key factors that influence stair dimensions

1. Building Codes: 

Ever the present factor in stair design, local and national building codes set the minimum and maximum riser height, tread depth, and stair width. These rules make sure stairs are safe and easy to use, whether in a home or a commercial building.

2. Intended Use

Stairs in homes are usually narrower and steeper, while those in public buildings need to be wider and less steep for accessibility and high foot traffic. A staircase in a busy office needs to feel different from one in a small house because more people use it throughout the day, and it needs to accommodate different walking speeds and abilities. Wider and shallower steps make it easier for large groups to move safely without feeling cramped or rushed.

3. User Comfort and Safety

People naturally walk upstairs in a certain way, and if the steps are too tall or too short, it feels uncomfortable or even unsafe. The goal is to create stairs that feel natural to walk on without too much effort.

4. Available Space

If there’s not much room, the stairs may have to be steeper with shorter treads. If there’s plenty of space, a more gradual staircase with deeper treads is possible, making it more comfortable to walk on.

5. Accessibility Requirements

Buildings that must be accessible to everyone, including those with mobility issues, need stairs with lower risers and deeper treads. For example, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifies the following stair dimensions: each step's riser must be between 4 inches (100 mm) and 7 inches (180 mm) high and the tread must be at least 11 inches (280 mm) deep.

6. Aesthetic and Design Preferences

Some staircases are designed to be a statement piece with wide, shallow steps, while others are built just for function. It’s common to integrate staircase design into the overall style of the building.

7. Material Used

The material affects the thickness of treads and how the stairs are built. Wood, metal, and concrete all have different structural requirements that can impact the final dimensions.

How to Measure Stair Tread Depth and Riser Height

Step-by-step guide to measuring treads and risers

1. Gather Materials

• Tape measure

• Level

• Notepad and pen

2. Measure the Tread Depth

• Place the tape measure at the front edge (nosing) of the step.

• Measure straight back to where the tread meets the riser below.

• Record the measurement.

3. Measure the Riser Height

• Place the tape measure at the top of one tread.

• Measure vertically to the top of the next tread.

• Record the measurement.

4. Check for Consistency

• Repeat for each step to make sure all risers and treads are the same size.

• If there are variations, adjustments may be needed for safety.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Make sure you measure the tread depth from the very front edge

Don’t just measure from the back of the step—always start at the nosing (the part that sticks out) and go all the way to where the step meets the riser below.

2. Measure riser height from tread to tread, not tread to floor

The right way to measure risers is from the top of one step to the top of the next. If you measure from the bottom, you’ll get the wrong height.

3. Check every step, not just one

Even a small difference in riser height or tread depth can mess with your balance. Walk through and measure each step to make sure they’re all the same—it’ll save you from future headaches (and possible trips).

Is There a ‘Perfect’ Step Height and Depth?

Short answer: Not exactly, but there are recommended measurements that work best for most people.
Long answer: The ideal step height and depth depend on factors like comfort, safety, and how the stairs will be used. Building codes set limits to prevent stairs from being too steep or too shallow, but within those limits, some dimensions feel more natural than others. A well-designed staircase should be easy to walk up and down without feeling like you're stretching too far or taking tiny, awkward steps.

What’s the Most Comfortable Step Height?

Studies have shown that a riser height of around 7 inches is the most comfortable for most people. This height keeps the motion of climbing stairs smooth and natural, without putting too much strain on the legs. Anything much taller can feel too steep and tiring, while shorter risers make stairs feel shallow and awkward to walk on.

How Deep Should a Stair Tread Be?

Tread depth is a little trickier, especially in open spaces where there’s room for wider steps. A standard depth of at least 11 inches is recommended because it matches the average length of a person’s foot. But in places with very deep treads—like grand staircases or outdoor steps—you might find yourself taking multiple steps per tread. This can feel unnatural if it doesn’t match your walking rhythm, making you adjust your stride each time. In those cases, deeper treads should be paired with lower risers to keep the movement comfortable.

Conclusion

Hope this article helped you and answered many of your questions regarding stair tread and riser dimensions. So if you're planning a staircase project, always double-check your measurements, follow code requirements, and aim for a design that feels natural to walk on. 

For expert help or guidance, contact our team. And if you’re upgrading your stairs, don’t forget to explore our range of premium handrails to complete the look and improve safety.