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What Angle Do You Cut Stair Balusters?
Iron balusters that go into drilled holes aren’t cut at an angle. Cut them straight across (90°). The holes are drilled straight up and down, so the baluster stands plumb even though the handrail slopes. The stair angle only matters for the handrail and for square-top wood balusters that fit into a plowed handrail. Most stairs run about 32° to 42°.
What Gets Cut at an Angle (and What Doesn’t)
| Part | Cut | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Iron balusters | Straight, 90° | They go into plumb, drilled holes at the top and bottom |
| Wood balusters with a round pin | Straight, 90° | The pin goes into a drilled hole |
| Square-top wood balusters | Top cut at the stair angle | The top sits flat against the bottom of a plowed handrail |
| Handrail | Ends cut at the stair angle | So it meets the newel post or wall flush |
How to Find Your Stair Angle
Measure the rise (height of one step) and the run (depth of one step, front edge to front edge). The stair angle is the inverse tangent of rise divided by run: angle = arctan(rise ÷ run). Most phone calculators have it. Or find your numbers below:
| Rise | Run | Stair angle |
|---|---|---|
| 7″ | 11″ | 32.5° |
| 7-1/4″ | 10-1/2″ | 34.6° |
| 7-1/2″ | 10-1/2″ | 35.5° |
| 7-1/2″ | 10″ | 36.9° |
| 7-3/4″ | 10″ | 37.8° |
| 7-3/4″ | 9″ | 40.7° |
| 8-1/4″ | 9″ | 42.5° |
Shortcut: lay a straight board on the nosings of the steps and read the angle with a digital angle finder or a speed square. That’s your handrail angle.
How to Cut Iron Balusters
- Measure from the tread straight up to the bottom of the handrail at each baluster spot, then add 3/4″. See how tall balusters should be.
- Mark the length. On balusters with a knuckle or basket, line them up by the center of the ornament and cut from the top, bottom or both.
- Cut straight across with a chop saw or portable band saw and a metal-cutting blade.
- File off any burrs so the baluster slides into its holes and shoes.
Then drill your holes plumb, with no angle. See what size hole for balusters and how to install iron balusters.
Cutting the Handrail Angle
Set your miter saw to the stair angle to cut the handrail where it meets a newel post or wall. Cut a scrap piece first and hold it in place to check the fit before you cut the real rail. For curved runs or turns, handrail fittings like goosenecks and easings are already shaped, so you only cut them to length. See how to install a wood handrail.
Baluster Angle FAQ
What angle do you cut stair balusters?
Iron balusters and pin-top wood balusters are cut straight across at 90°, because they go into plumb, drilled holes. Only square-top wood balusters that fit into a plowed handrail get the stair angle at the top.
What is the angle of a stair railing?
The same as the stairs, usually about 32° to 42°. Find it with arctan(rise ÷ run), or lay a board on the nosings and read it with an angle finder.
Do you drill baluster holes at an angle?
No. Drill them straight up and down in both the treads and the handrail, even though the handrail slopes.
What saw do you use to cut iron balusters?
A chop saw or portable band saw with a metal-cutting blade. File off the burr after each cut.
What is the standard stair angle?
Most home stairs land between about 32° and 42°. A 7-3/4″ rise with a 10″ run, a common combination, works out to about 38°.
Can iron balusters be cut?
Yes. Cut them straight across with a chop saw or portable band saw and a metal-cutting blade, then file off the burr.
How long do I cut iron balusters?
Measure from the tread straight up to the bottom of the handrail at each spot, then add 3/4″ so the baluster can go up into the handrail hole.
