The total run is the overall horizontal distance traveled by the stringer. The total rise is a stairway’s overall change in height, from the landing pad to the top of the deck’s decking. Now, some common code requirements, along with our recommendations: - The stair’s treads should be at least 36 inches wide. We think stairs should be at least 48 inches wide, so they don’t feel cramped. - The maximum allowable unit rise is 7 3/4 inches, and the minimum unit rise is 4 inches. For recommendations on rise-run combos, see the tip.