Carpet Calculator - How Much Carpet Do I Need?
Use this free carpet calculator to figure out exactly how much carpet you need for your room. Enter your room dimensions and waste factor to get square footage, square yards, and roll length estimates instantly.
How to Measure a Room for Carpet
Accurate measurements are the foundation of a successful carpet installation. Taking the time to measure properly will save you money and prevent delays during installation.
Step-by-Step Room Measurement
Start by measuring the longest length and widest width of your room in feet. For rectangular rooms, this is straightforward. Use a tape measure along the floor, measuring from wall to wall. Always round up to the nearest half foot to ensure you have enough material. If your room has alcoves, bay windows, or closets, measure each section separately and add them together.
Handling Stairs and Closets
Stairs require special measurement. For each step, measure the riser height and tread depth, then add 1 inch for the nose tuck. Multiply by the number of steps and add the width of the staircase. Walk-in closets should be measured as separate areas. Most installers recommend carpeting closets with the same material for a seamless look, so include closet square footage in your total.
Carpet Padding Requirements
Carpet padding goes underneath your carpet and requires the same square footage as your carpet. Standard padding thickness ranges from 7/16 inch to 1/2 inch for most residential applications. Quality padding extends carpet life, improves comfort underfoot, and provides additional sound insulation. When budgeting for your carpet project, remember to include padding in your square footage calculations.
Standard Carpet Roll Widths
Carpet is manufactured in standard roll widths, most commonly 12 feet and 15 feet. The 12-foot width is the industry standard and is available in the widest selection of styles and colors. The 15-foot option is useful for larger rooms where it can reduce or eliminate seams. Your carpet installer will plan the layout to minimize seams and waste based on the roll width and your room dimensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate carpet for a room?
Measure the room's length and width in feet, then multiply them together to get the square footage. Add 10-15% for waste, seams, and pattern matching. Divide the total square footage by 9 to convert to square yards, which is how carpet is typically sold. For example, a 12 x 15 foot room is 180 square feet. With 10% waste, that's 198 square feet or 22 square yards.
How much extra carpet should I order?
Order 10-15% more carpet than your measured area. Use 10% extra for simple rectangular rooms, 15% for rooms with stairs, closets, or complex layouts, and 5% for very simple rectangles with no seams. This extra material accounts for cutting waste during installation, pattern matching at seams, and having leftover material for future spot repairs.
Does carpet come in standard widths?
Yes, carpet comes in two standard roll widths: 12 feet and 15 feet. The 12-foot width is the most common and offers the widest variety of styles. The 15-foot width is available in select styles and is ideal for larger rooms where you want to minimize seams. Your installer will recommend the best width based on your room layout.
How do I convert square feet to square yards for carpet?
Divide the total square footage by 9 to get square yards. There are 9 square feet in one square yard (3 feet x 3 feet). Many carpet retailers price carpet by the square yard, so this conversion is essential for accurate cost estimates.