| Primary value | 190 mm |
| Applies to | Single-family houses · Apartment internal stairs (within unit) |
| Exceptions | Assembly / educational / commercial → 150 mm max |
| Spiral / narrow stairs (special) → 200 mm typically | |
| Measured as | Vertical height between consecutive treads, measured from tread surface to tread surface. |
| Source | NBC 2016 — Part 4, Clause 4.4.2 ✓ Verified |
The 190 mm maximum balances climbing comfort with the need to fit the stair into a tight footprint. Higher risers let stairs cover more vertical distance per horizontal run, which is critical in compact Indian floor plans.
Most residential stairs use 150–175 mm risers for comfortable daily use. Below 150 mm, stairs feel like ramps. Above 180 mm, the climb fatigues quickly.