How Many Steps for an 84 Inch (7 Foot) Rise?

An 84 in (7 ft) rise needs 12 risers of 7.00 in and 11 treads. With 10 in treads the total run is 9.2 ft and the stringer is 11.5 ft long, so buy a 12 ft board.

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Your project

Measure from the lower finished surface to the upper one.

7 to 7.75 in is common.

Results

Example job shown. Change the numbers to match yours.

Number of risers
12 risers
Each 7.000 in tall
What to buy
  • Number of treads11 treads
Riser height
7.000 in
Number of treadsThe upper floor acts as the top tread
11 treads
Total run
110.0 in
Total run
9.17 ft

Stringer

Stringer length (hypotenuse)
11.53 ft
Board to buy (standard length)
12 ft
Angle of stairs
37.4 degrees

Check against typical US code (IRC)

Riser ≤ 7¾ in
Yes
Tread ≥ 10 in
Yes
Comfort check 2 × riser + tread (ideal 24–25 in)
24.0 in
  • Every riser must be the same height (within 3/8 in). Local codes differ and stairs are a safety item, so confirm requirements with your building department.

Before you buy: round up to whole packs, check the size printed on the label, and add a little spare. Your supplier has the final say.

Stairs for an 84 in (7 ft) rise

A rise of 84 in (7 ft) is typical for a tall deck or a loft. Measure the total rise from the lower finished surface to the finished upper floor or deck surface, including the thickness of the tread boards. The count below is for 10 in treads and a 7¼ in target riser.

ItemValue
Number of risers12
Riser height7.000 in
Number of treads11
Total run9.17 ft (110.0 in)
Stringer length11.53 ft
Board to buy12 ft
Angle37.4°

Effect of tread depth

Deeper treads make a gentler stair but need more room. Typical US code asks for at least 10 in.

Tread depthTreadsRun (in)Run (ft)StringerAngle
9 in1199 in8.3 ft10.8 ft40.3°
10 in11110 in9.2 ft11.5 ft37.4°
11 in11121 in10.1 ft12.3 ft34.8°
12 in11132 in11.0 ft13.0 ft32.5°

Effect of riser height

Taller risers mean fewer steps but a steeper stair. Typical US code caps risers at 7¾ in.

Target riserRisersActual riserTreadsRun (ft)
7 in127.00 in119.2 ft
7.25 in127.00 in119.2 ft
7.5 in117.64 in108.3 ft
7.75 in117.64 in108.3 ft

Use the stair calculator to enter your own rise and tread depth. Stairs are a safety item: US codes usually require a handrail from four risers up, and a guard at drops over 30 in, so confirm the rules with your building department. Planning a deck? See the deck materials calculator.

Want to change anything else? The calculator above is the full Stair Calculator: edit any number and the results update instantly.

Tools & materials for this project

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Frequently asked questions

How many steps for an 84 in (7 ft) rise?

12 risers (steps up), each 7.00 in tall, with 11 treads, because the upper floor is the top step. This uses a 7¼ in target riser. A 7 in target gives 12 risers.

How long is the run for an 84 in (7 ft) rise?

9.17 ft (110 in) with 10 in treads. The stringer is 11.53 ft long, so buy a 12 ft board.

What is the angle of stairs for an 84 in (7 ft) rise?

37.4 degrees with 10 in treads. Typical stairs run between about 30 and 40 degrees. Deeper treads make the stair shallower.

Related sizes and guides

Related sizes

Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.