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What is the legal size for a step?

Author

Christopher Davis

Published Apr 03, 2026

What is the legal size for a step?

For each rise: minimum 130mm, maximum 225mm. For each going: minimum 215mm, maximum 355mm. The going shall be not greater than the tread depth (TD) plus a maximum gap of 30 mm between the rear edge of one tread and the nosing of the tread above.

What is the legal depth of a step?

Outdoors, steps need to be more generous than indoors, as the scale is greater and a sure footing and the user’s sense of balance are essential. As a general rule, the riser should be no more than 15 centimetres high (5.9 inches), with the tread at least 30 centimetres (11.81 inches) deep.

How wide can stair steps be?

Stair treads can be as narrow as 22.5 inches or as wide as 36 inches. Wider stair treads are typically used outdoors while narrower designs between 22.5 inches and 30 inches are more commonly used indoors. When shopping for stair treads, it’s also important to consider the quantity being purchased.

What is the ideal stair rise and run?

5 Answers. The general rule (in the US) is 7-11 (a 7 inch rise and 11 inch run) (17.78cm-27.94cm). More exactly, no more than 7 3/4 inches (19.7cm) for the riser (vertical) and a minimum of 10 inches (25.4cm) for the tread (horizontal or step).

What is a good stair width?

Building regulations state that the width of your individual stairs should be at least 3 feet or wider. As long as the 3 foot width is met, you can expand as much as you like. The entire width of your staircase needs to reach a minimum of 36 inches wide.

What is the minimum residential stair width?

Local codes typically specify stair step width limits. Usually the minimum for residences is from two feet eight inches to three feet six inches.

How to calculate the dimensions of a stair step?

You can find some more information here as well on other stair-related dimensions. To calculate if the steps will be within the Building Codes specs : 2 times the step riser height + 1 tread width equals between 24 and 25 in inches (60.96cm and 63.5cm).

What’s the minimum height for a stair riser?

The general rule (in the US) is 7-11 (a 7 inch rise and 11 inch run). More exactly, no more than 7 3/4 inches for the riser (vertical) and a minimum of 10 inches for the tread (horizontal or step).

How big of a staircase do you need for one person?

For stairs serving a single user (typically private residential), a minimum of 36” (91 cm) is required. In general public spaces a minimum of 44” (112 cm) must be met—providing ample space for one person and allowing the tight passage of two people.

What is the maximum height a stair step can be?

The height limit established by code is intended to provide a reasonable interval for the user so that they may rest on a level surface and to alleviate the negative effects of long uninterrupted flights. The code establishes a maximum vertical height of 147 inches (12 feet 3 inches) between landings or floor levels for a flight of stairs.

What are typical stair dimensions?

The Average Stair Tread Size Tread Size. The minimum tread size is commonly stated as 9 inches for residential construction. Tread Width. The width of the tread from side to side is commonly stated as a minimum of 36 inches for residential construction and 48 inches for ADA compliant public Riser Maximum. Consistency.

What is the standard size depth for stair?

Stairway landings and platforms are at least the width of the stair and at least 30 inches (76 cm) in depth, as measured in the direction of travel; 1910.25 (b) (5) When a door or a gate opens directly on a stairway, a platform is provided, and the swing of the door or gate does not reduce the platform’s effective usable depth to:

What is the standard height of an exterior step?

On average, American architects have used a standard stair height of 7.5 inches. On stairs built inside, the average step length is 9 inches tall, while outside steps have an average length of 11 inches tall.