Glossary
Understand every term before you measure, order, or build. From going and rise to Blondel’s formula — it’s all here.
A staircase that runs in a single direction with no turns. The simplest and most floor-efficient layout, ideal for open-plan spaces and easy furniture removal.
A staircase that changes direction by 90° at an intermediate landing or winder steps. Also called an L-shaped staircase. Fits neatly into a corner.
A staircase that reverses direction by 180°, running two parallel flights separated by a landing or winders. Also called a U-shaped or switchback staircase.
A staircase whose treads radiate around a central structural column, forming a helix. Extremely compact but less comfortable for frequent or loaded use.
A space-saving design using L-shaped steps that alternate left and right, allowing a steeper pitch in a smaller footprint. Also called a Japanese staircase.
The total vertical distance from finished floor to finished floor. This is your primary input — all riser heights are derived from it by dividing it by the number of steps.
The horizontal distance between two consecutive step nosings, measured along the walkline. Going directly affects stride comfort and is one half of the Blondel pair.
The vertical distance between two consecutive step nosings. Paired with the going via Blondel's formula: 2H + G = 600–650 mm.
The usable clear width of the staircase between handrails or walls. A generous width allows two people to pass and makes moving furniture far easier.
The total horizontal distance the staircase travels, from the nose of the first step to the face of the upper floor. Use this to verify the staircase fits the available footprint.
The vertical clearance between any overhead obstruction (stairwell ceiling, beam, or soffit) and the walkline below. Insufficient headroom is the most common staircase design error.
The angle the staircase makes with the horizontal. Steeper angles save floor space but reduce comfort and safety; shallower angles are more comfortable but take more room.
The horizontal surface you walk on. The usable tread depth equals the going minus any nosing overhang that projects beyond the riser below.
The vertical panel connecting two consecutive treads. Open-riser stairs omit this panel for a lighter, more open look, but may not meet all building codes.
The projecting front edge of a tread that extends beyond the riser below. Nosings increase the effective going — the foot's landing zone — without increasing the staircase footprint.
The horizontal distance the nosing of one tread extends over the riser below it. A larger overlap improves comfort on steeper staircases by giving the foot more landing area.
The structural side board that supports and encloses the steps. A cut (open) stringer is notched to follow the step profile; a closed stringer has treads and risers housed in routed grooves.
A continuous run of steps between two level surfaces — floors or landings. A staircase can have one or more flights depending on the layout and direction changes.
A flat platform between flights or at the top and bottom of a staircase. Landings allow direction changes, provide rest points, and make it possible to move large furniture.
A step that extends from the upper floor level, creating an overlap over the structural slab. This gains one tread of going without enlarging the stairwell opening.
The rectangular opening cut in the upper floor slab through which the staircase passes. Getting the stairwell size right is critical for achieving adequate headroom throughout the flight.
The classical ergonomics rule by French architect François Blondel (1618–1686): 2 × rise + going = 600–650 mm, with 630 mm as the ideal. StairEditor scores every design against this formula in real time.
An imaginary line representing the natural path a user walks, used to measure going on tapered or winder steps. For stairs up to 1 m wide it runs along the centreline; for wider stairs, 500 mm from the inner handrail.
The technique of gradually rotating winder steps around a turn so the going measured along the walkline stays consistent throughout. A well-balanced stair feels as comfortable as a straight flight.
Open the editor, enter your measurements, and watch going, rise, and comfort adjust in real time.
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