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Floors and Stairs
How to Cut Stair Stringers Download Article Co-authored by Norman Raverty
Last Updated: August 8, 2025 Fact Checked
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Calculating Your Measurements
|
Marking Your Cuts
|
Making Your Cuts
|
Video
|
Warnings
|
Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Norman Raverty. Norman Raverty is the owner of San Mateo Handyman, a handyman service in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 27 years of experience, Norman has expertise in all five of the general building trades (carpentry, ceramic tile, drywall, electrical, plumbing). This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,454,946 times.
Stair stringers are the backbone of any set of stairs. They support the treads and provide the structural support of the stairway. In order to cut your stair stringers perfectly, you need to take the time to measure and lay them out correctly. Once you have established the rise and run of your stairs and have drawn them out on your wood, you simply need to cut along your lines with precision and care.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Calculating Your Measurements
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1 Measure out how much total rise your stairs need. Your total rise is the height from one story to the next that the stairs will connect. The total rise should be set in most cases, so you simply need to measure the height.[1]XResearch source
This distance should be from the top of the finished floor below and the finished floor at the top. If the floor is unfinished when you are calculating your stringers, you need to take that into account.
2 Determine how tall you want each step to be. The height of each step can vary a bit but there are general standards. It is standard to have your riser be about 7 inches (18 cm) tall, so use this measurement unless you have specific parameters that prevent it, such as limited headroom.[2]XResearch source
This measurement is sometimes called the individual rise of the stairs.
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3 Divide the overall rise by the individual rise to get the number of stairs. For this calculation you are simply figuring out how many stairs it will take to get the height you need. Use a calculator or do the arithmetic by hand, as it is generally pretty simple.[3]XResearch source
For example, if you want 7 inches (18 cm) tall stairs and your overall rise needs to be 56 inches (140 cm), then 56/7=8. You will need 8 stairs.
The number of treads you have (individual runs) will automatically be one less than the number of risers.
4 Determine how much run each stair will need. Your total run is the horizontal distance between the top and the bottom of the stairs. How far the stairs stick out can vary depending on your needs, but keep in mind that stairs should usually be at an angle of about 40 degrees.[4]XResearch source
In general, the run of each stair should be about 10 inches (25 cm) in order for people’s feet to fit comfortably as they walk up them.
There are many stair calculators that you can use online to figure out stair measurements. You simply need to input your rise and the angle you want for your stairs and they will calculate the other measurements you need, including your run.
5 Calculate how long the stringer needs to be. Once you have the overall rise and run of the stairs, you can calculate how long the stringer needs to be.[5]XResearch source You can either use an online stair calculator, a hypotenuse calculator, or you can do the math yourself.
To calculate the length yourself, you will need to use the Pythagorean theorem, which is a2 + b2 = c2. So, for example, if the rise needs to be 60 inches (150 cm) and the run needs to be 84 inches (210 cm), then you would calculate 602 + 842 = c2, with “c” being the length of 99 inches (250 cm).
6 Double check your measurements before you start marking your cuts. Ensure your math and calculations are correct so that you don’t waste your time and materials cutting risers that don’t fit. It’s better to take a few minutes to double check yourself than to waste a whole lot of time redoing your work.[6]XResearch source
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 3:
Marking Your Cuts
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1 Start laying out the first stair. Place a framing square near the end of a 2 x 12 (38 x 286 mm) board, leaving a few inches at the end before the end of the square. Use the individual rise and run figures marked on the outside scales of the square that matches your desired measurements. These figures should touch the upper edge of your board.[7]XResearch source
The short end of the square (tongue) should be on the rise measurement. The long end of the square (body) should be on the run measurement.
The board should be at least 12 inches (30.48cm) longer than the planned length of the stringer, just to give yourself some play.
2 Mark the outline along the square's outer edges. Move the square down to extend the run line to the lower board edge, if necessary. This is the outline of your top stair.[8]XResearch source
3 Lay out the rest of the stairs. Slide the framing square along the board so your scale run figure touches the end of your first marked run line. Double check that your rise and run figures are lines up with the top edge of the board and then mark your second stair.[9]XResearch source
Continue down the board, making sure to line up the scale's rise and run figure at the top edge. Mark the new outline and repeat until you have marked 1 extra pair of runs and rises.
4 Mark the bottom of the stringer. In order to make the first step the same height as the others, you need to subtract the depth of the thread from the rise, so the finished stair is still 7 inches (18 cm). Simply make another mark to the right of the run line that is parallel and equal to the thickness of the thread. This marks the stringer bottom.[10]XResearch source
Advertisement Part 3 Part 3 of 3:
Making Your Cuts
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1 Prepare to use a circular saw safely. Put on your personal protective equipment, including safety glasses. It's also important to use general safety precautions when using a circular saw. These include keeping your body parts away from the blade while the tool is running and being sure that the cord is out of the path of the tool as it's running.[11]XResearch source
You should also clamp down your stringer board, so that it doesn’t move while you cut it.
2 Cut down the lines you marked on the stringer with a circular saw. Start the saw running before it makes contact with the wood. Then slowly work the saw in from the outer edge of the mark towards where it ends, where the rise and run meet.[12]XResearch source
Leave about .5 inches (1.3 cm) of the line uncut, which you will finish with a hand saw.
3 Finish your cuts with a handsaw. Cutting beyond where the rise and run lines meet can severely weaken your structure. Instead of accidentally going too far with the circular saw, choose to finish your cuts with a handsaw so that you can be exact.[13]XResearch source
4 Trim the bottom and top of the stringer. Cut the top of the stringer along the first rise line. Then trim the bottom run line, which was marked so that it is shorter than the others by an amount equal to the thread thickness of your stairs. [14]XResearch source
5 Use the first finished stringer as a template. Use this one as a stringer template for all of your other stringers so they all match exactly. In most cases, you will need only 1 or 2 more stringers, although a very wide stairway could require more.[15]XResearch source
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Warnings
Wear gloves and eye protection while operating saws. Thanks Helpful 17 Not Helpful 14
Consult with authorities in your area to familiarize yourself with your local building codes. Comply with local inspections and rules in your area. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 12
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Things You'll Need
Calculator, if necessary
Gloves and eye protection
2x12 (38 x 286 mm) wood board
Framing square
Pencil
Circular saw
Hand saw
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Co-authored by: Norman Raverty Professional Handyman This article was co-authored by Norman Raverty. Norman Raverty is the owner of San Mateo Handyman, a handyman service in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 27 years of experience, Norman has expertise in all five of the general building trades (carpentry, ceramic tile, drywall, electrical, plumbing). This article has been viewed 1,454,946 times. 464 votes - 94% Co-authors: 11Updated: August 8, 2025 Views: 1,454,946 Categories: Floors and StairsArticle SummaryX
To cut stair stringers, you'll need to use a framing square to draw out your stairs along the top edge of your board. Then, use a circular saw to cut the lines you marked on the wood, but always complete your cuts with a hand saw to avoid accidentally cutting too far. Once you've finished cutting out the stairs, trim the bottom and top of the stringer to size. Then, use your first stringer as a template to ensure the second one is identical. For tips on how to calculate the length of your stairs, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Sed
Dec 23, 2022
"I worked in construction in my youth. It was an excellent work I saw here. Thank you to all those who contributed."
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Norman Raverty Professional Handyman Co-authors: 11Updated: August 8, 2025 Views: 1,454,94694% of readers found this article helpful. 464 votes - 94% Click a star to add your vote
Sed
Dec 23, 2022
"I worked in construction in my youth. It was an excellent work I saw here. Thank you to all those who contributed."
T. H.
Jul 9, 2019
"I was a little confused when building my first stringer, but your article has helped. Thanks."
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Jan 30, 2024
"It was very easy and clear to follow and understand. I believe I will be able to do this!"
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Aug 23, 2022
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Co-authored by: Norman Raverty Professional Handyman This article was co-authored by Norman Raverty. Norman Raverty is the owner of San Mateo Handyman, a handyman service in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 27 years of experience, Norman has expertise in all five of the general building trades (carpentry, ceramic tile, drywall, electrical, plumbing). This article has been viewed 1,454,946 times. 464 votes - 94% Co-authors: 11 Updated: August 8, 2025 Views: 1,454,946 Categories: Floors and Stairs Article SummaryX
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1 Measure out how much total rise your stairs need. Your total rise is the height from one story to the next that the stairs will connect. The total rise should be set in most cases, so you simply need to measure the height.[1] 
2 Determine how tall you want each step to be. The height of each step can vary a bit but there are general standards. It is standard to have your riser be about 7 inches (18 cm) tall, so use this measurement unless you have specific parameters that prevent it, such as limited headroom.[2] 
3 Divide the overall rise by the individual rise to get the number of stairs. For this calculation you are simply figuring out how many stairs it will take to get the height you need. Use a calculator or do the arithmetic by hand, as it is generally pretty simple.[3] 
4 Determine how much run each stair will need. Your total run is the horizontal distance between the top and the bottom of the stairs. How far the stairs stick out can vary depending on your needs, but keep in mind that stairs should usually be at an angle of about 40 degrees.[4] 
5 Calculate how long the stringer needs to be. Once you have the overall rise and run of the stairs, you can calculate how long the stringer needs to be.[5] You can either use an online stair calculator, a hypotenuse calculator, or you can do the math yourself. 
6 Double check your measurements before you start marking your cuts. Ensure your math and calculations are correct so that you don’t waste your time and materials cutting risers that don’t fit. It’s better to take a few minutes to double check yourself than to waste a whole lot of time redoing your work.[6] Advertisement 
1 Start laying out the first stair. Place a framing square near the end of a 2 x 12 (38 x 286 mm) board, leaving a few inches at the end before the end of the square. Use the individual rise and run figures marked on the outside scales of the square that matches your desired measurements. These figures should touch the upper edge of your board.[7] 
2 Mark the outline along the square's outer edges. Move the square down to extend the run line to the lower board edge, if necessary. This is the outline of your top stair.[8] 
3 Lay out the rest of the stairs. Slide the framing square along the board so your scale run figure touches the end of your first marked run line. Double check that your rise and run figures are lines up with the top edge of the board and then mark your second stair.[9] 
4 Mark the bottom of the stringer. In order to make the first step the same height as the others, you need to subtract the depth of the thread from the rise, so the finished stair is still 7 inches (18 cm). Simply make another mark to the right of the run line that is parallel and equal to the thickness of the thread. This marks the stringer bottom.[10] Advertisement 
1 Prepare to use a circular saw safely. Put on your personal protective equipment, including safety glasses. It's also important to use general safety precautions when using a circular saw. These include keeping your body parts away from the blade while the tool is running and being sure that the cord is out of the path of the tool as it's running.[11] 
2 Cut down the lines you marked on the stringer with a circular saw. Start the saw running before it makes contact with the wood. Then slowly work the saw in from the outer edge of the mark towards where it ends, where the rise and run meet.[12] 
3 Finish your cuts with a handsaw. Cutting beyond where the rise and run lines meet can severely weaken your structure. Instead of accidentally going too far with the circular saw, choose to finish your cuts with a handsaw so that you can be exact.[13] 
4 Trim the bottom and top of the stringer. Cut the top of the stringer along the first rise line. Then trim the bottom run line, which was marked so that it is shorter than the others by an amount equal to the thread thickness of your stairs. [14] 
5 Use the first finished stringer as a template. Use this one as a stringer template for all of your other stringers so they all match exactly. In most cases, you will need only 1 or 2 more stringers, although a very wide stairway could require more.[15] Advertisement 
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