Home

Carpet Calculator

Calculate how much carpet you need for any room. Includes waste factor and cost estimates by quality level.

Quick Answer

Multiply room length × width for square footage, add 10% for waste. A 15×12 ft room needs 180 sq ft + 18 (waste) = 198 sq ft or 22 sq yards of carpet.

Room Dimensions

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Waste %

Quality Level

Results

199

Sq Ft Needed

22.0

Sq Yards

$891

Carpet Cost

$1,188

Total w/ Install

About This Tool

The Carpet Calculator helps you determine how much carpet you need for any room and estimates the total cost including materials and installation. Simply enter your room dimensions, select a quality level, and get an instant breakdown.

Why Include a Waste Factor?

Carpet comes in rolls, typically 12 feet wide. Seams, pattern matching, and irregular room shapes all create waste. A 10% waste factor is standard for rectangular rooms. For L-shaped rooms or rooms with many closets, increase to 15–20%.

Carpet Pricing Guide

Builder-grade carpet ($2–3/sq ft) is basic polyester suitable for rentals. Mid-range ($4–5/sq ft) offers better density and stain resistance. Premium ($6–8/sq ft) uses nylon or SmartStrand fibers. Luxury ($10+/sq ft) includes wool or high-end branded options.

Installation Costs

Professional carpet installation typically runs $1–2 per square foot, including pad, tack strips, and labor. The total installed cost is usually 1.3–1.5 times the carpet cost alone. This calculator estimates $1.50/sq ft for installation.

Measuring Tips

Measure at the widest points of the room. Include closets and alcoves. Round up to the nearest foot. For multiple rooms, calculate each separately since carpet rolls have a fixed width and seam placement matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert square feet to square yards?

Divide square feet by 9. A 180 sq ft room needs 20 square yards of carpet. Carpet is traditionally sold by the square yard, though many retailers now price by the square foot.

How much waste should I plan for?

10% for simple rectangular rooms, 15% for L-shaped rooms or rooms with closets, and 20% for patterned carpet that requires matching at seams.

What carpet width should I buy?

Standard carpet rolls are 12 feet wide. Some are available in 15-foot widths. Choose a width that minimizes seams for your room dimensions. A 12×15 room would ideally use 15-foot-wide carpet for a seamless install.

How long does carpet last?

Builder-grade carpet lasts 5-8 years. Mid-range lasts 8-12 years. Premium nylon carpet can last 15-20 years with proper care. Wool carpet lasts 20+ years but requires professional cleaning.

Should I include closets in my measurement?

Yes. Closets should be carpeted for a finished look and are typically included in the total square footage. Measure closet dimensions separately and add to the room total.

Was this tool helpful?