Stringer layout for a 72 inch rise
Calculate your stair design with a total rise of 72 inches. Ensure compliance with the IRC riser limit of 7.75 inches for safe and comfortable stairways.
Formula SSC-2026.1
IRC check pass
Risers / treads
10 / 9
Riser inside 4 to 7.75 in
Exact riser
7 3/16 in
182.9 mm
Total run
7 ft 10 1/2 in
2,400 mm
Stringer length
9 ft 10 13/16 in
Order 12 ft 2x12
Incline
37.30°
Square 7 3/16 in rise · 10 1/2 in run
Stringers @ 16 in
3
Throat 5.31 in on a 2x12
Rise, run, and the incline are scaled from the live riser and tread. Framing-square gauges match the exact riser and the tread depth.
| Item | Net | Waste | Order | Unit price | Line total | Source Spec Material / Tool |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 ft 2x12 | 10.50 ft cut | end cuts included | 3 boards | USD | $75.60 | Source Spec Material / Tool |
| Stringer delivery weight | 101 lb | — | 46 kg | 2.8 lb/ft planning weight | — | Source Spec Material / Tool |
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| Total rise | Risers | Exact riser | Treads | Run | 2x12 stock | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 0 in | 10 | 7 3/16 in | 9 | 7 ft 10 1/2 in | 12 ft | Pass |
| 6 ft 6 in | 10 | 7 13/16 in | 9 | 7 ft 10 1/2 in | 12 ft | Warning |
Show the deterministic formula
Risers = round(total rise ÷ target rise). Exact riser = total rise ÷ risers, reported to the nearest 1/16 in and in millimeters. Treads = risers − 1. Total run = treads × tread depth.
Diagonal = hypotenuse of stringer rise and total run. A dropped header uses total rise minus landing thickness. Stock is the next 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, or 24 ft board.
Stringers = floor(width ÷ 16) + 1, with a minimum of 2. Throat ≈ 11.25 − (riser × tread) ÷ hypotenuse.
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Project: Stringer layout for a 72 inch rise
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This sheet is an estimate for ordering and layout discussion. It is not a sealed design. Confirm the quantities with a licensed local professional and the authority having jurisdiction before you buy or build.
Engineering notes
When designing stairs with a total rise of 72 inches, it's essential to adhere to the International Residential Code (IRC) limit of 7.75 inches for riser height. This ensures that your stairs are safe and comfortable for use.
Note that headroom is not calculated in this total rise measurement, but it is a critical factor in stair design for user safety and accessibility.
Code reference
IRC R311.7.5
Field questions
- What is the maximum riser height allowed by the IRC?
- The maximum riser height allowed by the IRC is 7.75 inches.
- How is total rise calculated in stair design?
- Total rise is calculated by measuring the vertical distance from the finished floor of the lower level to the finished floor of the upper level.
- Is headroom included in the total rise calculation?
- No, headroom is not included in the total rise calculation; it is a separate consideration in stair design.