Measuring stairs for carpet doesn’t have to be complicated — but getting
it right is essential. Order too little and you’ll face costly delays;
order too much and you’ll be paying for carpet you don’t need. With the
right approach and accurate measurements, you can ensure a
clean, professional finish that looks great and lasts
for years.
At AQ Carpets, we’ve simplified the entire process into
a clear, easy-to-follow stair carpet measuring guide —
covering everything from straight steps and landings to
the more challenging winder stairs. Whether you’re
measuring for a full staircase carpet, a stair runner, or individual
stair pads, follow these steps to order the correct amount of carpet
with complete confidence — and avoid the most common measuring mistakes
homeowners make.
What You’ll Need
Grab these basic tools before you begin:
Key Tips Before You Begin
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Record actual measurements only — When sketching your
stair plan, note down your exact measurements first and add any
fitting allowances and wastage separately afterwards.
Mixing the two is one of the most common — and costly — measuring
mistakes homeowners make.
-
Measure every winder stair individually — Never assume
that winder or curved steps are the same size. Even on
the same staircase, winders almost always differ from one another in
both depth and width — so each one must be measured and recorded
separately to avoid shortfalls when ordering your carpet.
-
Always align with pile direction — For the most
natural, professional finish, measure your staircase from top
to bottom so that the carpet pile runs in the direction
of foot traffic. This not only looks better but also helps
your stair carpet wear more evenly and last significantly longer.
-
Include doorways and hall dropbacks in your landing
measurements — When sketching your landing or hallway
layout, always account for the full width of any doorways,
recesses, or hall dropbacks. Missing these details is a frequent cause
of carpet shortages that can delay your entire installation.
-
Take multiple measurements throughout — Never rely on
a single measurement per step or landing area, particularly if your
walls, skirting boards, or surfaces aren’t perfectly
parallel. Older homes especially can have significant
variations from one side to the other — always measure at both ends
and use the larger figure when ordering.
-
Photograph your stairs and landing — Before you
finalise your measurements, take clear photos of your full staircase,
individual steps, landings, and any awkward corners or features. These
visual references can be invaluable when discussing your
carpet order with the AQ Carpets team — helping us give you
the most accurate advice and ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measure
Sketch Your Landing and Hallway
Draw a simple plan and mark the direction the stairs descend—this ensures your carpet pile will flow correctly.
Measure the Landing
Treat the upper landing like a small room: measure across, into doorways, and over the top stair’s nose in one continuous measurement.
Measure Straight Stairs
For each straight step, measure from the back of the riser, over the nosing, down to the back of the next tread. Also, note the full step width.
Measure Winders Individually
For each curved step, measure across the deepest point—from inner corner to outer edge—and record the tread-to-riser measure just like straight steps.
Sketch and Measure Hallway
Map your hallway as if it were a room, noting alcoves, doorways, and where the stairs feed into it. Mark the pile direction for smooth carpet alignment.
Why Accuracy Matters
Get your measurements right the first time:
- Ensures smooth carpet layout, reduce seams
- Aligns pile direction vertically, enhancing durability and appearance
- Cuts down waste and installation headaches
Need More Inspiration?
Explore our AQ Carpets for the latest interior trends, carpet styling tips, and expert guides to make your flooring project effortless and enjoyable.
Find your perfect carpet with
AQ Carpets—where quality meets style. Whether you’re decorating one room or an entire home, our expert team is here to help you every step of the way.
