From measured space to purchasable material
A solid poured stair is a stack of rectangular volumes, not a single block measured at its maximum height. This calculator adds those stepped volumes and optionally includes a separate full-height top landing. It is intended for quantity planning when the stair geometry has already been established. Tread depth means the horizontal going of each step, and the landing length is additional to those treads. Open stairs, hollow forms and stairs filled with compacted rubble require a different takeoff because they contain less concrete.
Measure, select yield and round the order
- Enter the designed count of equal rise-and-tread blocks.
- Measure finished width and any additional landing.
- Review the solid-fill assumption before ordering.
Net requirement and purchase calculation
A worked example
Four 7 in rises with 11 in treads across a 4 ft width contain 21.39 ft³ before allowance. At 8% additional material, the order is about 0.86 yd³.
Concrete Steps: what changes the result?
Compare dimensions and product yields without treating quantities as a design check. The comparisons below are calculated from this page’s default example. Each row changes only the named input; all other inputs stay at their displayed example values. These are mathematical scenarios, not measurements from a completed project.
| Changed assumption | Default input | Comparison input | Result: default → comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of equal risers | 4 | 5 | Solid stepped volume: 21.3889 → 32.0833 cu ft Concrete with allowance: 0.8556 → 1.2833 yd³ |
| Riser height | 7 in | 8.4 in | Solid stepped volume: 21.3889 → 25.6667 cu ft Concrete with allowance: 0.8556 → 1.0267 yd³ |
| Horizontal tread depth | 11 in | 13.2 in | Solid stepped volume: 21.3889 → 25.6667 cu ft Concrete with allowance: 0.8556 → 1.0267 yd³ |
| Stair width | 4 ft | 4.8 ft | Solid stepped volume: 21.3889 → 25.6667 cu ft Concrete with allowance: 0.8556 → 1.0267 yd³ |
Displayed values are rounded. Whole-pack results change in steps; continuous quantities may change before a new pack is needed. To compare your actual project, enter your dimensions above, save a scenario, then change one assumption.
Coverage, allowance and purchasing limits
- An existing slab beneath the stairs must be deducted if it replaces part of the modeled volume.
- Do not use this to determine safe or compliant riser and tread dimensions.
- A suspended stair or thin concrete shell needs a section-based takeoff.
Frequently asked questions
Does this assume the steps are solid?
Yes. It assumes full concrete under each tread and under the optional landing.
Is the landing part of the entered tread run?
No. Enter landing length only for the additional platform beyond the modeled tread blocks.
Can it verify stair code requirements?
No. Riser height, tread depth, landings, handrails and reinforcement require a separate design check.
Calculation method: JICWH methodology. Examples are planning assumptions, not product recommendations.