Honestly I used to measure and cut every single step one at a time because I figured no two stairs could ever be the same, that's just how it was taught to me. Then a guy on a job showed me to check the first and last and cut the whole run at once, and it kind of ticked me off how much time I'd wasted over the years. Tbh it makes total sense now because tract homes get built off the same plans, so the rise and run barely move from step to step. The only thing I watch for is the bottom step sometimes sits different if the floor is off, so I still check that one. But yeah, once you see it work on a couple houses you stop second guessing it.

Had a guy tell me once to stop chasing the blend and let the guard do the work, and it honestly changed everything for me. Been cutting 9 years and I still catch myself muscling it when the hair isn't cooperating.