What term refers to the total horizontal distance covered by the entire staircase?

The term that refers to the total horizontal distance covered by the entire staircase is known as the total run. This concept is crucial in staircase design and construction, as it defines how much horizontal space the staircase will occupy in a building. The total run is calculated by measuring the horizontal distance from the first step to the last step, which helps in planning the layout of the staircase within a given space.

On the other hand, total rise refers specifically to the vertical distance that the staircase covers, measuring from the floor of the lower level to the floor of the upper level. Unit rise and unit run pertain to the measurements of individual steps, where unit rise indicates the height of each riser and unit run denotes the depth of each tread. Understanding the distinction between these terms is vital for accurately designing a staircase that is both safe and functional.