How Much Carpet Do I Need?
Calculate the exact amount of carpet for your project. Measure, add waste, and get accurate square footage with our free tool.
✓ Room-by-room measurement
✓ Automatic waste calculation
✓ Multi-room support
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 |
Step-by-Step: Measuring for Carpet
Getting an accurate carpet measurement saves money and prevents costly shortfalls. Follow this process for each room:
Step 1: Measure the Room
- Measure the longest length and widest width of the room in feet
- For L-shaped rooms, divide into rectangles, measure each, and add the areas
- Include closets and alcoves in your measurements
- Measure at floor level, not along baseboards (walls aren't always straight)
Step 2: Calculate Square Footage
Formula: Length (ft) × Width (ft) = Square Feet
Example: 15 ft × 12 ft = 180 sqft
To convert to square yards: 180 ÷ 9 = 20 sq yards
Step 3: Add Waste Factor
- 10% waste: Standard rectangular rooms with no pattern
- 15% waste: Rooms with alcoves, odd angles, or closets
- 20% waste: Patterned carpet that needs pattern matching at seams
Common Room Sizes
Small bedroom (10×10): 100 sqft + 10% = 110 sqft needed
Master bedroom (14×16): 224 sqft + 10% = 247 sqft needed
Living room (18×20): 360 sqft + 10% = 396 sqft needed
Whole house (3BR/2BA ~1,200 sqft): 1,200 + 10% = 1,320 sqft
📏 Measuring Tip
Carpet rolls come in standard widths of 12 ft or 15 ft. Professional installers will plan seam placement to minimize waste. Share your room diagram with installers for the most accurate quote.