Concrete Steps Calculator
Estimate concrete yardage, rebar, and cost for poured porch steps, entry stairs, and outdoor concrete steps.
Last updated: March 23, 2026
Enter Stair Details
inches
💡 Vertical height of each step. Max 7¾" per IRC code (comfortable: 7")
inches
💡 Horizontal depth of each step. Min 10" per IRC code (comfortable: 11")
Min 36" per IRC code (residential)
inches (4-6" recommended)
Thickness of the step tread (the part you step on)
inches (4" typical)
Thickness of side walls (if building enclosed stairs)
Main + temperature rebar — best strength and crack control
For DIY only — most stairs use ready-mix delivery
Results
IRC Code: Compliant
Rise: ✓ 7" (max 7¾")
Run: ✓ 11" (min 10")
Width: ✓ 36" (min 36")
Concrete Needed
0.57 cu yd
includes 10% waste
Total Rise
42" (3.5 ft)
Total Run
66" (5.5 ft)
Tread Area
16.5 sq ft
Weight
1.04 tons
Reinforcement
Main Rebar (#4):7 bars × 3.0 ft
Temperature Rebar (#3):3 bars × 5.5 ft
Total Weight:20.23 lbs
Cost Estimate
Concrete:$84.79
Labor:$198
Reinforcement:$24.75
Total:$307.54
Shopping Tips
- • 0.57 cu yd — order 1 truck minimum (short load fee $50-100 may apply)
- • Main Rebar (#4): 7 bars × 3.0 ft = 21.0 ft total — buy 2 × 20ft bars (cut to 3.0ft pieces, 6 per bar)
- • Temperature Rebar (#3): 3 bars × 5.5 ft = 16.5 ft total — buy 1 × 20ft bars (cut to 5.5ft pieces, 3 per bar)
- • Rebar available at Home Depot/Lowe's (standard: 20ft bars)
How to Estimate Poured Concrete Steps
- Select your stair type — Entry, exterior, interior, or basement. Use the preset that is closest to your poured concrete stair layout.
- Enter number of steps — Count each poured step from the bottom slab or grade up to the top landing.
- Set rise and run — Rise is the vertical height of each poured step and run is the horizontal tread depth. IRC code: max 7¾" rise, min 10" run.
- Enter stair width — Use the clear finished width of the concrete stairs. Residential stairs usually need at least 36".
- Set thickness and reinforcement — Add throat thickness, optional sidewalls, and the rebar pattern for your poured stair design.
- Review yardage and rebar — Use the results to plan ready-mix volume, reinforcement, and rough material cost before forming and pouring.
How We Calculate Concrete for Poured Steps
Concrete Volume = Step Geometry + Throat Fill + Optional Sidewalls
Concrete Yards = Total Concrete Volume ÷ 27
Concrete Step Geometry
- • Step count × rise = total stair height
- • Step count × run = total stair length
- • Throat thickness adds the structural concrete below each tread
- • Sidewalls add extra concrete for enclosed or boxed stairs
- • Waste is included in the final yardage estimate
IRC R311.7 Code Check
- • Maximum Rise: 7¾" per step
- • Minimum Run: 10" per step
- • Minimum Width: 36" (residential)
- • Rise Variation: ≤ 3/8" between steps
- • Run Variation: ≤ 3/8" between steps
Example: 6-Step Entry Concrete Stair
- Steps: 6 poured steps
- Rise: 7" per step
- Run: 11" per step
- Width: 36" (3 ft)
- Throat thickness: 5"
- Base concrete volume includes all treads plus the structural throat
- Estimated yardage: about 0.6 cu yd
- With 10% waste: about 0.7 cu yd
Yardage and rebar estimates are based on poured concrete stair geometry, throat thickness, sidewalls, and IRC 2021 R311.7 residential stair limits. Learn more