| A | B |
|---|
| Total Rise | The overall vertical distance that a staircase has to climb. Usually the vertical distance between floor levels or the distance from the ground to a deck. |
| Unit Rise | The amount of vertical distance between one tread and another. |
| Total Run | The overall horzontal distance of a staircase. has to travel. |
| Unit Run | The measurement describing the depth of one step. |
| Riser | The vertical member of stairs between the treads. |
| Tread | The horizontal member of the stair on which the foot is placed. |
| Nosing | The rounded front edge of a tread that extends past the riser |
| Stringer | The inclined member of a stair that supports the risers and treads. Can be either opened or closed. |
| Banister | A handrail besdie a stairway. |
| Baluster | The vertical member of stairs between the treads and the handrail. |
| Newel Post | The end post of a stair railing. |
