Rise & Run. Its Not About Your Morning Jog

In drafting up a set of stairs, the term rise and run refers to the height and depth of each stair.

There are standards that dictate a stair design, and variations on the rise and run matter in Set Design. If the Actor is using the stairs on camera, the rise and run ratio will dictate their movement.

In a standard residential setting, the rise and run is usually around 7 1/2 x 10. It varies, however, Architects usually work within the standard criteria of the rise and run adding up to 17 inches, within an inch of it. The tread is the total run plus the nosing.

In an old house, an attic stair would fall out of the standard. It would look right to have an Actor going up a steep stair. Likewise, a glamorous stairway in a mansion may have a lower rise and longer run.

Generally outdoor steps have an inch longer run.

On a side note, if you are designing concrete or stone stairs for your set; include an insulation note. Hollow sounding concrete steps sound like wooden steps.