Measuring for a stair runner is simple once you know what you’re measuring and why. This guide shows you exactly how to measure stairs for a runner, how to calculate runner length, how to plan landings and turns, and how much extra carpet to allow for fitting.

Watch the video guide!

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What you’ll need

• Tape measure (5m+ ideally)
  

• Notepad/phone notes
  

• Pencil and masking tape (optional)
  

• A helper (optional)
  
  

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Step 1: Choose your stair runner width

Before measuring length, decide the runner width.

Common runner widths:

• 60–70cm for narrower stairs
  

• 70–80cm for standard stairs
  

• 80–90cm for a fuller, more covered look
  
  

A typical “reveal” (visible stair edge each side) is 5–10cm per side.

Quick width check:
 Stair width − (2 × side reveal) = runner width

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Step 2: Identify your stair layout

• Straight staircase: easiest
  

• Landing (quarter/half turn): measure each flight + landing
  

• Winders (triangular turning steps): measure more carefully (ideally step-by-step)
  
  

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Step 3: Measure one step properly (accurate method)

A runner wraps over the step, so measure:

• Tread depth (front/nosing to back)
  

• Riser height (vertical face)
  

Per-step formula:
One step runner length = tread + riser

Then:
(tread + riser) × number of risers = staircase runner length (for a straight flight)

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Rule of thumb (works ~99% of the time)

If you want a fast, reliable estimate that nearly always works (but may leave a bit of waste), use this:

✅ 1 linear metre covers 2 steps
or
✅ 0.5 linear metre per step

This is a great “real-world” measuring shortcut for carpet runners, especially when you want to avoid the biggest mistake: ordering a runner that’s too short.

Why it leaves waste: stairs vary, and you’ll often need extra for:

• trimming and fitting
  

• pattern/stripe matching
  

• landings and turns
  

• thick carpet movement and settling
  
  

Bottom line: a little waste is better than a short runner.

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Step 4: Add landings (and any flat areas)

Landings are measured like a flat floor section.

• If the runner goes straight across: measure the landing depth in the direction of travel.
  

• If the runner turns: measure the route the runner will follow around the turn.
  
  

Add the landing measurements to your total.

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Step 5: For winders, measure more carefully

Winders change size, so don’t rely only on multiplication.
A good method is measuring the runner path down the centre line and adding risers as normal.

If you want to keep it simple on winders, your 0.5LM per step rule of thumb is usually safer than trying to be too tight.

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Step 6: Add extra for fitting and pattern matching

Always include an allowance:

• Plain runner: add 5–10%
  

• Striped/patterned runner: add 10–15%
  

• If you’re unsure: add 0.5m–1m as a safety buffer
  
  

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Quick checklist (copy/paste)

• Runner width chosen (side reveal)
  

• Steps counted (risers)
  

• Length calculated (accurate method) or 0.5LM per step rule
  

• Landings measured and added
  

• Extra added (5–15% or 0.5–1m)
  
  

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FAQ 

How much carpet do I need for a stair runner?

A reliable estimate is 0.5 linear metres per step (or 1 metre for every 2 steps) plus extra for landings and pattern matching.

What’s the safest way to avoid ordering too short?

Use the rule of thumb, then add a buffer—a little waste beats a runner that doesn’t reach the top.

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If you want, I can also add a short “Example Calculation” section (e.g., 13 steps + landing = how many linear metres to order) using your rule of thumb and the accurate method side-by-side.

yes please

Example Stair Runner Calculations (Accurate Method vs Rule of Thumb)

Here are a couple of real-world examples you can drop straight into your page. They show both the proper measuring method and your rule of thumb so readers can double-check themselves.

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Example 1: Straight stairs (13 steps), no landing

Accurate method

1. Measure one step:
   
   

• Tread = 25cm
  

• Riser = 18cm
  

• One step = 25 + 18 = 43cm
  
  

2. Multiply by steps:
   
   

• 43cm × 13 = 559cm
  

• Total length = 5.59m
  
  

Add fitting allowance

• Plain runner (add 10%): 5.59m × 1.10 = 6.15m
  

• Round up to: 6.2m (or 6.5m if you want extra safety)
  
  

Rule of thumb (your method)

• 13 steps × 0.5LM = 6.5 linear metres
  
  

✅ Result: both methods land you in the same safe zone. The rule of thumb is slightly more generous, which is exactly what you want.

 

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Example 2: 13 steps + 1 landing (straight across)

Let’s say the landing measurement along the runner path is 90cm (0.9m).

Accurate method

• Stairs: 5.59m (from above)
  

• Landing: 0.9m
  

• Subtotal: 6.49m
  
  

Add allowance

• Plain runner (10%): 6.49m × 1.10 = 7.14m
  

• Round up to: 7.2m (or 7.5m to play safe)
  
  

Rule of thumb

• Steps: 13 × 0.5LM = 6.5m
  

• Add landing: +0.9m = 7.4m
  

• If striped/patterned, you’d still add a bit extra.
  
  

✅ Result: rule of thumb stays safe and usually prevents coming up short, especially once landings are involved.

 

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Example 3: Striped or patterned stair runner (13 steps + landing)

Patterns eat material because you often need extra for matching stripes and keeping the look consistent.

Using the Example 2 subtotal 6.49m:

Accurate method + pattern allowance (15%)

• 6.49m × 1.15 = 7.46m
  

• Round up to: 7.5m (or 8m if you want maximum safety)
  
  

Rule of thumb

• 7.4m (from above)
  

• Round up to: 7.5m–8m for stripes/patterns
  
  

✅ Result: if it’s striped, rounding up is the smart move. A short runner is a nightmare; a little waste is normal.

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Rule reminder

Quick estimate: Count your steps and multiply by 0.5 linear metres per step (1LM per 2 steps), then add landings and a buffer.