We all know that measuring your stairs is important, but doing it right can be hard.
If you don’t measure the height of each step accurately, then you could end up with a staircase that doesn’t meet the building code or isn’t safe for people to use.
The good news is there are many different tools you can use to measure your stairs quickly and easily.
#1. Tape Measure
A tape measure is the most common tool used to measure different types of stairs. What makes it different from other tools is that the measurements are not only taken in inches but also in feet, making it much easier to take measurements without needing a calculator.
As one goes up the stairs, they use the rise number as their height at each step and then count how many steps there are before finding out their run measurement for this set of steps.
Once these two numbers have been calculated, you can use simple arithmetic to find measurements, which will be necessary if someone has passed away due to an accident or accident on stairs or if you want to check whether or not your construction meets building codes. If you’re just doing something like taking out the trash or putting groceries away, then this is not necessary.
There are many benefits to using a tape measure for stair measurements. For example, it will be easier to calculate measurements if someone has passed away or had an accident on stairs. It is also more accurate than other tools because you use feet instead of inches.
#2. Laser Tape Measure
If you’re working on something that requires taking measurements of steps that are high up or behind walls, then a laser tape measure might be the best type of stairs measuring tool for your needs. You also can’t beat how accurately it measures and how easy it is to use.
As long as you’re able to push the button, then you’ll be able to take accurate measurements. You can find these types of measuring tools at places like Home Depot or other stores that sell construction materials and they start out around $50.
One of the best benefits of using a laser tape measure is that it’s really accurate. This means you don’t need to worry about the measurements not being right and whether or not your stairs will be safe for people who walk on them.
Another thing is that it’s really easy and quick to use and all you need to do is push a button and you’ll get an accurate measurement. You can find these types of measuring tools at places like Home Depot or other stores that sell construction materials and they’re usually around $50.
#3. Stair Gauge
A stair gauge is a tool designed for carpenters who work on stairs all day long, but it’s also good for anyone who wants an easy way to measure the height of their steps without having to manually count each one. This type of stairs measuring tool can come in either electronic or non-electronic forms, with the non-electronic form being much cheaper than its electrical competitor.
One thing about using this particular tool is that you have to remember to take the measurements from the top of the step going down, which will give you an accurate number. However, if it’s on a high staircase or one that goes on for a long time then it can be easy to get confused and start taking measurements from the bottom up.
There are many benefits to using a stair gauge, including the fact that it’s accurate and easy-to-use. You can find these types of measuring tools at stores like Home Depot or other places that sell construction materials. The only downside is the price, which starts at around $50.
#4. String Line
Using a string line is very similar to using a laser tape measure in some ways, but rather than using lasers and electricity, one uses their eyes and some measuring tapes instead. The benefits include not having to worry about recharging batteries and its ease of use while moving around; all you do is attach it somewhere secure and make sure both ends are even with each other before your stair measurement tool on stairs, then mark it.
The downside to using a string line is that you need to have some eyesight in order to use it correctly and accurately. Using this type of stairs measuring tool is also not very practical when taking measurements on high or wide stairs.
One of the best benefits of using a string line is that you can take measurements on stairs that are high or wide, and you don’t have to worry about recharging the battery on your measuring tool. Plus, it’s pretty easy to use and all you need to do is make sure both ends are even before attaching it somewhere secure and marking it.
#5. Stair Ruler
A stair ruler helps with laying out staircases by showing carpenters and other construction workers what each step will look like before starting any actual construction work on the wooden staircase pieces themselves. This tool is good for checking your measurements, but since it’s so small and skinny, it can be easy to lose track of where both ends are located once you start moving around and checking different sets of steps or trying different layouts of your staircase design ideas.
There are many benefits of using a stair ruler, including the fact that it is good for measuring any staircase design ideas before building starts. This tool is great for checking measurements and can also help find mistakes made in measurements if they’re not accurate. Since the stair ruler is small and skinny, it’s easy to lose track of where both ends are located when you first start measuring or moving around to different sets of steps.
#6. Ultrasonic Sensor
Used by surveyors, architects, and engineers, ultrasonic sensors are very accurate when trying to measure out rooms or just anything that isn’t necessarily “flat” ground. However, there are certain types of stairs that can cause this type of measuring tool to give inaccurate measurements and it will only work on flat surfaces. It’s also another thing you need to worry about keeping charged and keeping track of while moving around.
An ultrasonic sensor is great for taking measurements that are not flat at all, like rooms or anything that is uneven. These types of stair measuring tools are very accurate and versatile, but because it can’t be used on anything that isn’t flat, it might not work right if you’re trying to measure stairs. You also usually need to keep track of batteries and charge this kind of stair measuring tool so you don’t run out in the middle of your project.
#7. Yard Stick
A yardstick is not a super new or unique stair measuring tool, but it still gets the job done if all you’re looking for is an easy way to get a rough estimate of how tall your staircase is going next to be (something between 6″ and 8″). You can even use floor tiles or multiple small steps as a substitute in order to get the height measurement needed for designing purposes. The downside is that they’re very difficult to use and read because the measurements on them aren’t very accurate.
One of the benefits of using a yardstick is that it can be used to get an approximate measurement for designing purposes. Plus, if you want to get the height measurement needed, you can measure the staircase next to be using floor tiles or multiple small steps. The downside is that they’re difficult to use and read because the measurements on them aren’t very accurate.
#8. Ruler
A ruler is one of the most basic and easily affordable tools you can get. Just remember to measure every stair tread individually instead of just assuming that they’re all the same size since there are some small variances in between them. That being said, this really isn’t made for any other purpose except for measuring stairs so you’ll have to look into getting something else if you need it for anything else.
Rulers are one of the simplest and easiest ways to measure stairs without needing any other tools for them. They’re also relatively affordable, just remember to measure each stair tread because there might be some small variances in between them. If you’re looking for something else that can help with measurements, try another tool.
#9. Slope Meter
This is kind of like using a yardstick but with more bells and whistles because it has an actual screen on it where you type in your desired measurements. Once finished, all you have to do is hit ‘enter’ for the slope meter reading (in decimal) to show up on its screen. The only downside is that you have to have a basic understanding of math or be able to use a calculator in order to take accurate measurements from it.
The benefits of using a slope meter are that it measures things accurately and has an actual screen where you type in your desired measurements. Once finished, all you have to do is hit ‘enter’ for the reading (in decimal) to show up on its screen. The slope meter only has one downside which is that you have to have a basic understanding of math or be able to use a calculator in order to take accurate measurements from it.
#10. Stair Tread Gauge
This is another one of those measuring tools that only take the rough measurements needed for stairs. The upside to using a stair tread gauge is that it’s super easy to use and straightforward because all you have to do is line up the numbers with your steps while going down, then once finished just read off how many inches deep each riser and tread will be from its little window.
The benefits of using a stair tread gauge are that they’re super easy to use and straightforward because all you have to do is line up the numbers with your steps while going down. Once finished, all you have to do is read off how many inches deep each riser and tread will be from its little window.
#11. Square
Using a square isn’t necessarily “high tech” but it is very accurate because it calculates the exact angle needed for you to use when laying out your staircase. You can either set up your square to completely horizontal or vertical, then just use that as a visual reference point before cutting any wood pieces. The downside is that you have to actually be careful not to break your square if you’re measuring anything near walls or other obstacles where the corner of the square will collide with them which could chip off some of its paint finish.
The benefits of using a square are that it calculates the exact angle needed for you to use when laying out your staircase. You can either set up your square to completely horizontal or vertical, then just use that as a visual reference point before cutting any wood pieces. The downside is that you have to actually be careful not to break your square if you’re measuring anything near walls or other obstacles where the corner of the square will collide with them which could chip off some of its paint finish.
#12. Stair Step Scribe
A stair-step scribe is by far the most accurate of all stairs measuring tools. This one is more for professionals or people who do this kind of thing very often, but basically what it does is produce a mathematical layout for you to follow in order to get your measurements spot on. So you just start at the bottom and add up the depth and height of each riser and tread until it ends with you reaching your maximum desired height. Each level will be separately measured so that cuts can be made accordingly afterward.
The benefits of using a stair-step scribe are that they allow you to measure the exact depth and height of each riser and tread so that cuts can be made accordingly.
#13. Calipers
Calipers are a measuring tool that is very similar to using a ruler except it’s much more fast and accurate. It even has markings on it for you to line up with your steps so all you need to do is take measurements at both the depth and height of each tread then add them together afterward.
The downside is that they’re expensive, especially if you want one that has other features such as an LCD screen for displaying your measurements (which can be found here: LINK ). But either way, this will definitely make things go much faster and smoother when designing staircases.
The benefits of using calipers are that they’re very accurate and fast.
#14. Construction Calculator
A construction calculator is just like a regular calculator only it has some extra buttons so you can do specific calculations for things such as building staircases. It’s more of an expensive tool but if you need to constantly be measuring things on the go, then this would definitely serve its purpose well. The upside to using something like this is that it removes all unnecessary complexity from having to use math in order to get your measurements.
The benefits of using a construction calculator are that it removes all unnecessary complexity from having to use math in order to get your measurements. If you’re someone who needs the technology for your work, then this may be of interest.
#15. Digital Measuring Tape
Last but not least is the digital measuring tape which also displays your measurements onto its screen for easy reading instead of trying to look at numbers over numbers on a ruler or caliper that aren’t very precise anyway.
This one calculates both height and depth measurements for each step almost instantly, so all you have to do is stretch out the tape as far as it needs to go and read off your measurements from its LCD screen. This makes things so much easier over regular measuring tools because now you don’t have to worry about awkward angles or anything else that could potentially mess up your stair measurements.
The benefits of using a digital measuring tape are that it calculates both height and depth measurements for each step almost instantly, so all you have to do is stretch out the tape as far as it needs to go and read off your measurements from its LCD screen. This makes things so much easier over regular measuring tools because now you don’t have to worry about awkward angles or anything else that could potentially mess up your stair measurements.
#16. Level, Pitch, and Slope Tool
This is kind of like a circular protractor but it’s actually better than that because of how many different angles you can use. All you have to do is adjust the angle and then measure the distance between two points using its sharp point at one end, then just snap a pic, trace out the length of it on paper, and there you go – this will give you an accurate riser and tread measurement for designing your staircase.
This tool will allow you to measure the height and depth of every step. It also provides an accurate measurement for the slope on one side of the staircase. This is a very important aspect to take into account when designing any staircase because it allows for you to calculate how many steps are needed in order to reach whatever height you’re trying to design. The other thing that this tool will do is provide measurements on whether or not stairs are level or not!
The benefits of using a level, pitch, and slope tool are that it’s an easy way to measure your staircase’s height and depth, provides accurate measurements for slopes, and helps determine whether or not stairs are level.
