First find the rise.

Once we have decided the position and the space that will be used for the stairway, or maybe it is already there on the plans and we just have to work out the stair details because none are provided, then:1. Get the total rise. Either measure on site or off the plans. Let's say that we have a total height of 2870. 2. Looking at the table above I see that my choices of the rise lie between 115 and 190. 3. 115 is a very small rise and more suitable for large public stairs, old folks homes and the like. Plus a very small rise means more treads which equal more cost. 4. From experience, house stairs fall between the range of 170 to 185, so get out a calculator and try them. 5. 2850/170= 16.76 rises 6. 2850/185= 15.4 rises 7. so it seems 16 might be a good one to try. 8. 2850/16= 178.125 rise. 9. 2850/17= 167.64 10. 2850/15= 190

11. It is obvious to me that 16 risers at about 178 will be fine 12. The reason that I say about 178 rise, is that I only work out the exact height and step rise on site when there is something to measure from and the floor finishes have been decided.