How to Measure Your Stairs for Carpet

Before you start, you will need:

  • Pencil / Pen & Paper
  • Tape Measure
  • Calculator
  • Ruler 

* If you would like us to make the calculations for you, please use this guide to make a quick drawing of your measurements and send them to us. We will calculate the amount of carpet you will need.

    Lets get started.

    1. Measure main landing.

     

    Note: The top riser is part of the main landing carpet, not the stair carpet. The main landing carpet will come over the top riser to meet the stair carpet in the crutch of the step, so allow for this in your measurements.

     

    Measure your hallway/landing in the same way you would any normal room.

     

    * Pile Direction will always run along the length of a carpet roll. The way the pile direction goes, is to be taken into consideration, as it will effect the appearance and durability of your carpet.

     

    2. Measure straight steps.

     

    Measure the step length.

    Measure the main steps by measuring a riser (the vertical part of the stair) and then one of the treads (the flat/horizontal part of the stair).

    Combine the tread width and the riser height, add 5cm to allow for fitting and trimming and multiply by the number of stairs. Eg. in the example 25cm tread + 20cm riser + 5cm allowance = 50cm.

     

    Measure the step width
    Measure across the width of a step, add an extra 5cm either side to allow for trimming the carpet. Eg. in the example: Step width = 80cm + 10cm allowance = 90cm.

    Therefore the measurement for each step is 50cm x 90cm.
    Multiply this by the total number of steps for your total stairway length.

     

    3. Measure winders.

     

    Winders need to be measured individually, and at their widest points. Write down each individual winders measurement, working your way down. Eg: W1, W2, W3 and so on.

    In the example: Winder 2 has a tread and riser of 90cm and a tread width of 110cm.

     

    Add an extra 10cm allowance to each dimension for trimming (ie. 5cm for each side).

    For winder 2, you’ll need a piece 90cm x 110cm.

     

    4. Measure mid/half landings.

     

    These also need to be measured individually and the riser needs to be included in your measurement. If there are more than one mid landings. Work your way down labelling your measurements. Eg: Mid land 1, 2 and so on.

    In the example: The mid landing has a width of 90cm and a length of 120cm.
    Add an extra 10cm allowance to each dimension for trimming (ie. 5cm for each side).

    For mid landing, you’ll need a piece 90cm x 120cm.

     

    5. Working out how much carpet you need.

     

    When you have all your measurements, you then calculate them into what is called a cutting plan. A lot like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle. Working out how to fit all the dimensions in, in the most economical way.

    In this example, we have taken a 4 metre wide carpet and added the different pieces which will make up a stairs and landing carpet. You could also add your hallway carpet.

     

    Every stairway is different, but by using this guide, you will be able to determine how much carpet to order. On most hall, stairs and landings, you should expect some wastage, but usually you will be able to put the pieces together in a way that makes the best use of material.

    Please note, we do not cut the individual pieces for you. The carpet will come in one piece for either you, or your fitter to cut and fit.

    And finally, if you're still feeling unsure, and would like us to check your measurements before you order, send us a quick drawing template, similar to the examples above and we will calculate the amount of carpet you need.