Carpet Calculator

How to Use This Calculator

Carpet ordering requires careful calculation because carpet is sold by the square yard and comes in fixed widths. Getting the right amount prevents both shortages and costly overages.

1. Measure each room's length and width at the longest/widest points in feet.
2. Add all rooms that will receive the same carpet - ordering together reduces waste.
3. Select the carpet width (12-foot is most common, 15-foot reduces seams in larger rooms).
4. Include padding unless your carpet has it attached or you're recarpeting over existing pad.
5. Enter your carpet price per square yard for cost estimates.

Why This Matters

Carpet significantly impacts a home's comfort, acoustics, and appearance. Accurate estimation ensures you order enough from the same dye lot (color can vary between lots) while minimizing waste. Because carpet comes in fixed widths, a professional installer can often calculate more efficient layouts that reduce your total cost.

• Calculate square yards from room dimensions
• Account for carpet width and seam placement
• Include padding requirements
• Estimate tack strips and seam tape needed
• Budget for materials and installation

Worked Examples

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Confusing square feet with square yards - carpet is priced and sold by the square yard.
• Not accounting for carpet width - fixed widths mean you often need more than exact room area.
• Forgetting about seam placement - seams in high-traffic or visible areas affect appearance.
• Skipping quality padding - cheap padding wears out carpet faster and reduces comfort.
• Not ordering from the same dye lot - color variations between lots can be noticeable.