Glossary
Stair terms explained in plain language, from going and rise to Blondel’s formula. Check what each one means before you measure, order materials, or build.
A staircase that runs in a single direction with no turns. It is the simplest layout and the most efficient use of floor area. It suits open-plan spaces and makes moving furniture easy.
A staircase that changes direction by 90° at an intermediate landing or winder steps. Also called an L-shaped staircase, it often fits 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. It takes very little floor space but is less comfortable for frequent use or for carrying loads.
A space-saving stair with L-shaped steps that alternate left and right, so it can climb at 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 main input: each riser height is this value divided by the number of steps.
The horizontal distance between two consecutive step nosings, measured along the walkline. It sets stride comfort and is one of the two values in Blondel's formula.
The vertical distance between two consecutive step nosings. It is linked to the going by Blondel's formula: 2H + G = 600 to 650 mm.
The usable clear width of the staircase between handrails or walls. A wider stair lets two people pass and makes moving furniture 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. Too little 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 (where the foot lands) without enlarging 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. Its size largely decides whether you get enough headroom along the whole flight.
The classical ergonomics rule by French architect François Blondel (1618-1686): 2 × rise + going = 600 to 650 mm, with 630 mm as the ideal. StairEditor scores each design against it as you edit.
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 the same. A well-balanced stair feels as comfortable as a straight flight.
Open the editor, enter your measurements, and see going, rise, and comfort update as you type.
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