🛋️ Carpet Calculator
Calculate carpet needed
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Room Dimensions
Input the length and width of your room in feet. Measure the longest points for accurate calculations. For irregular shapes, break into rectangles.
Enter Price (Optional)
Optionally enter the price per square foot to get an estimated cost. This helps budget for carpet installation. Prices typically range from $2-$10+ per sq ft.
Calculate Carpet Needs
Click "Calculate Carpet" to see square feet needed (with 10% waste included), square yards, and estimated cost if price was entered.
Order Materials
Use the square feet or square yards result to order carpet. Carpet is typically sold by square yard. Also order carpet padding (usually same area as carpet) and consider installation costs separately.
Formula
Room Area (sq ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft)
Carpet Needed (sq ft) = Room Area × 1.10 (includes 10% waste)
Square Yards = Carpet Needed ÷ 9
Total Cost = Carpet Needed × Price per Sq Ft
Example 1: Standard Room (18 ft × 12 ft, $3.50/sq ft)
Step 1: Calculate room area: 18 × 12 = 216 sq ft
Step 2: Add waste: 216 × 1.10 = 237.6 sq ft
Step 3: Convert to yards: 237.6 ÷ 9 = 26.4 sq yd
Step 4: Calculate cost: 237.6 × 3.50 = $831.60
Example 2: Large Room (20 ft × 15 ft, $5.00/sq ft)
Step 1: Calculate room area: 20 × 15 = 300 sq ft
Step 2: Add waste: 300 × 1.10 = 330 sq ft
Step 3: Convert to yards: 330 ÷ 9 = 36.7 sq yd
Step 4: Calculate cost: 330 × 5.00 = $1,650
About Carpet Calculator
The Carpet Calculator is an essential tool for homeowners, contractors, interior designers, and DIY enthusiasts who need to accurately determine how much carpet is required for their projects. This calculator eliminates guesswork by providing precise square footage and square yard calculations with a built-in waste factor, helping you order the right amount of carpet without waste or shortages.
When to Use This Calculator
- New Carpet Installation: Calculate carpet needed for bedrooms, living rooms, offices, and other spaces
- Carpet Replacement: Determine materials needed for replacing existing carpet throughout a home
- Room Renovations: Estimate carpet quantities for room remodeling and renovation projects
- Budget Planning: Calculate material costs by determining exact square footage needed
- Contractor Estimates: Quick reference for contractors bidding carpet installation projects
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Accurate Measurements: Precise square footage calculations prevent over-ordering or running short
- ✅ Waste Factor: Automatically includes 10% extra for cuts, pattern matching, and waste
- ✅ Square Yards: Shows results in square yards (standard unit for carpet sales)
- ✅ Cost Estimation: Optional price input provides cost estimates for budget planning
- ✅ Time Savings: Instant calculations eliminate manual math and measurements
- ✅ Professional Results: Industry-standard formulas ensure contractor-quality estimates
Common Applications
Residential Carpeting: Homeowners planning new carpet installations use this calculator to order the correct quantity of carpet for bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, and stairs. Carpet is typically sold by square yard, which this calculator helps convert accurately.
Commercial Carpeting: Contractors and property owners planning commercial carpet installations use this tool to estimate quantities for offices, retail spaces, and commercial buildings, ensuring sufficient materials are on-site before starting work.
DIY Projects: DIY enthusiasts planning carpet projects use this calculator to determine materials needed, avoiding costly mistakes from ordering too little or too much carpet.
Tips for Best Results
- Measure Accurately: Take multiple measurements and use the largest for irregular rooms
- Pattern Matching: For patterned carpet, add 15-20% extra for proper pattern alignment
- Carpet Padding: Order padding for the same area as carpet (typically same square footage)
- Seam Planning: Consider carpet roll widths (typically 12 feet) when planning seams
- Order Together: Order all carpet from the same dye lot/batch for color consistency
Frequently Asked Questions
How much carpet do I need for an 18×12 foot room?
An 18×12 foot room (216 sq ft) requires approximately 238 sq ft of carpet with 10% waste, or about 26.4 square yards. Carpet is typically sold by square yard, so plan to order 27 square yards.
Why do I need extra carpet?
Extra carpet (10% waste factor) accounts for cuts around doorways, closets, and irregular shapes, pattern matching for patterned carpets, and mistakes during installation. It's better to have extra than run short mid-project.
How many square feet are in a square yard of carpet?
One square yard equals 9 square feet (3 feet × 3 feet). To convert square feet to square yards, divide by 9. For example, 216 sq ft ÷ 9 = 24 sq yd.
Do I need padding under carpet?
Yes! Carpet padding improves comfort, extends carpet life, provides insulation, and reduces noise. Order padding for the same area as carpet. Padding typically costs $0.50-$2.00 per sq ft separately.
How much does carpet installation cost?
Installation costs vary by region and complexity, typically $2-$8 per square foot. This includes labor, moving furniture (sometimes), and removal of old carpet. Simple rectangular rooms cost less; complex layouts with many cuts cost more.
Can I calculate carpet for stairs?
Yes, but calculate stairs separately. Measure each step (riser + tread), multiply by step width, then add all steps together. Add 20% extra for stairs due to additional cuts and waste. Or use a stair carpet calculator specifically.