Using arduino nano to control table saw adjustments

One question I have about the steppers is this; can the position of the fence, the blade height, and blade angle be sensed according to to0 the number of steps the individual steppers move, or do I need rotational sensors on the individual shafts? If the number of steps the stepper moves is the method to be used then I would need to choose steppers with a specific number of steps per rotation I would think, and this would also be different because of the gear ratio of the gears used, yes?