Carpet Calculator
Calculate carpet yardage, padding, and installation costs for your room.
Carpet Requirements
How to Use the Carpet Calculator
Measure Your Room
Use a tape measure to measure the length and width of your room in feet. Measure at the widest points, including closets if they're being carpeted. Round up to the nearest inch.
Enter Measurements
Input your room's length and width into the calculator. For irregularly shaped rooms, break them into rectangles and calculate each section separately.
Add Carpet & Padding Costs
Enter the price per square yard for carpet and padding. Most carpet stores quote prices per square yard. If you have a price per square foot, multiply by 9 to convert.
Include Installation Costs (Optional)
Add installation cost per square foot if you're hiring professionals. Installation typically runs $3-6 per square foot depending on your location and carpet type.
Get Your Estimate
The calculator automatically adds 10% waste allowance and provides your total square footage, square yardage, and complete cost breakdown. Save or print these results for shopping.
7 Pro Tips for Buying Carpet
💰 1. Compare Total Installed Cost
Don't just compare carpet prices - factor in padding and installation. A $3/sq ft carpet with $2 padding and $4 installation costs $9/sq ft total.
🎯 2. Choose the Right Carpet Type
High-traffic areas need durable nylon or triexta. Bedrooms can use softer polyester. Wool is premium but expensive ($10-20/sq ft).
📏 3. Don't Skimp on Padding
Quality 8-pound padding costs $1-2/sq ft but extends carpet life by 50%. It's the best investment you can make for long-term value.
🔍 4. Check Carpet Ratings
Look for density rating (2,000+ for high traffic), face weight (40+ oz for quality), and twist level (5+ for durability). Higher numbers = better carpet.
🎨 5. Get Samples in Your Home
Carpet looks different in store lighting vs. your home. Take samples home and view them in natural and artificial light before deciding.
📦 6. Order 10-15% Extra
Waste from cutting, fitting, and pattern matching is inevitable. Keep leftover carpet for future repairs - dye lots vary between orders.
⚠️ 7. Verify Warranty Coverage
Most warranties require professional installation and specific padding. DIY installation or cheap padding voids most manufacturer warranties.
💡 Bonus: Shop End of Season
January-February and July-August offer the best carpet deals. Retailers clear inventory for new styles, offering discounts up to 40%.
5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Carpet
❌ Not Measuring Accurately
Under-measuring means reordering (different dye lots), over-measuring wastes $100s. Measure twice, order once. Include all closets, alcoves, and doorways.
❌ Forgetting About Padding
Cheap padding ($0.50/sq ft) wears out in 3-5 years. Quality padding ($1.50/sq ft) lasts 15+ years and makes carpet feel luxurious. Don't save pennies and lose dollars.
❌ Choosing Carpet Based on Color Only
Beautiful carpet that wears out in 2 years is a bad investment. Check density, twist, and face weight ratings. Prioritize quality in high-traffic areas.
❌ DIY Installation Without Experience
Carpet stretching requires a power stretcher (costs $500+). Poor installation causes wrinkles, premature wear, and voids warranties. Hire pros unless you're experienced.
❌ Not Comparing Multiple Quotes
Carpet prices vary 30-50% between retailers. Get 3 quotes with identical carpet specs and padding. Some stores inflate padding/installation costs to offset low carpet prices.
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