Garland is typically sold in strands of 6 feet. Depending on how much swag or swooping effect you want in the garland, you’ll need to measure to know how many strands to buy. A tight garland follows the handrail, while a swagged garland swoops or dips below the rail, creating a swag.  Once you decide on the design you like, measure your staircase as follows: 1. Newel post - Measure from the top to the floor. 2. Handrail - Measure from the inside of the newel post up the handrail to the next newel post or terminating end. 3. Sections - Repeat for additional sections of handrail and newel posts. The deeper the swag, the more garland you will need. If you want a tight to the handrail garland, buy enough 6 foot garland strands to cover that distance. If you want the garland to swag, multiply your measurement by at least 1.2 to ensure enough garland to create swags.