Support

Answers to common questions about StairSketch, the stair calculator and planner.

How do I calculate my stairs?

Measure your total rise — the vertical distance from the lower finished floor to the upper finished floor — and type it in. StairSketch instantly lists every buildable riser count, draws the stair, and shows riser height, going, total run, pitch and stringer length for each option. The top option is the most comfortable one that passes your building-code checks.

I only know the total rise. Is that enough?

Yes — that is the whole point. You never need to know the run in advance. If your stair must fit before an obstacle, turn on "Limit total run" and the options adjust to land inside it.

Which building codes does it check?

Residential stair limits from the IRC (United States), Approved Document K (United Kingdom), the NBC (Canada) and the NCC (Australia), plus a no-code mode. Every option shows exactly which checks pass or fail and by how much. These are reference values only — always verify against the code in force in your jurisdiction.

Does it work in feet and inches? In metric?

Both. Type 8' 2 1/2", 98.5 (inches), 2500 (mm), 250 cm or 2.5 m — fractions down to 1/16" are accepted and displayed. Every result, limit and cut dimension speaks the unit you chose, and you can switch at any time.

What is the "2R + G" comfort rule?

The classic stride formula: twice the riser plus the going should land near 625 mm (about 24 1/2"). Options are ranked by how close they come to it, so the first suggestion is the most comfortable stair to climb, not just a legal one.

What does the cut list include?

The number of 2x12 stringers for your stair width with the stock length to buy for each, tread count and dimensions including nosing, and riser boards. The Pro plan exports all of it, with the diagram, as a one-page PDF you can print or send.

What does StairSketch Pro include?

Unlimited saved projects, the PDF plan export with diagram and cut list, and iCloud sync across devices. Available as a one-time lifetime purchase or an annual plan with a 3-day free trial. The calculator itself is free forever, with no ads.

How do I restore my purchase?

Settings tab > Restore Purchases. Make sure you are signed in with the same Apple ID used for the original purchase.

Is my data backed up?

Your projects sync automatically with your personal iCloud when you are signed in. Deleting the app and reinstalling restores them.