Carpet Cost Per Square Foot
Get accurate 2026 carpet pricing broken down by material, padding, and installation. Compare costs across quality tiers.
✓ Material + padding + labor breakdown
✓ Price ranges by carpet type
✓ Waste factor included
Carpet installation calculator
Estimate total cost including materials, labor, and optional removal.
120.00 sq ft
| Carpet | $462.00 |
| Padding | $66.00 |
| Installation labor | $198.00 |
| Total | $726.00 |
2026 Carpet Pricing Breakdown
Carpet costs vary significantly depending on fiber type, density, pile style, and your geographic region. Here's what to expect at each price tier:
Cost by Carpet Quality Tier
Budget ($1–$2/sqft): Polyester or olefin, low density. Good for rentals, basements.
Mid-range ($2–$3.50/sqft): Nylon or triexta, medium density. Best value for most homes.
Premium ($3.50–$5+/sqft): High-density nylon or wool. Luxury feel, 15–20 year lifespan.
Total Installed Cost (Material + Pad + Labor)
- Budget installed: $2.00–$3.50 per square foot
- Mid-range installed: $3.50–$5.50 per square foot
- Premium installed: $5.50–$8.00+ per square foot
Hidden Costs to Watch For
- Old carpet removal: $0.25–$0.75/sqft if the installer does it
- Furniture moving: $50–$150 flat fee per room
- Stairs: $10–$25 per step (significantly more labor-intensive)
- Subfloor repair: $1–$3/sqft if rot or damage is found under old carpet
- Waste factor: Always add 10% for seams, cuts, and pattern matching
💡 Pro Tip
Don't skimp on padding. A $0.50/sqft 8lb density pad extends carpet life by 30–50% compared to the cheapest builder-grade pad. The padding does more for longevity than the carpet fiber itself.