Carpet Calculator

Calculate carpet and pad needed in square yards with seaming and installation cost estimate.

ft
ft
Carpet Width
Carpet Pad

Square Footage

180 sqft

Square Yards

20.0

Total Project Cost

$1,350.00

Carpet Details

Room Area180 sqft
Square Yards20.0
Seams Needed0
Total Carpet Needed180 sqft

Cost Breakdown

Carpet$900.00
Carpet Pad$180.00
Installation$270.00
Total Project Cost$1,350.00

Use the Carpet Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

A Carpet Calculator determines the amount of carpeting needed to cover a room or space, and often estimates the associated cost. This is crucial for accurate budgeting and preventing over- or under-ordering of materials, saving both time and money on renovation projects.

The calculator typically uses the area formula (length × width) to find the square footage of each room. This total area is then divided by the square footage per roll or piece of carpet, often with an added waste percentage (e.g., 5-15%) to account for cuts and irregularities.

Always measure at the widest and longest points of a room, even if it's irregularly shaped. Don't forget to account for pattern repeats if your carpet has one, as this can significantly increase the required material.

Example: Living Room Carpet $

  1. 1 A rectangular living room measures 15 feet long by 12 feet wide. The chosen carpet costs $3.50 per square foot, and we'll add a 10% waste factor.
  2. 2 First, calculate the area: 15 ft × 12 ft = 180 sq ft. Next, add the waste factor: 180 sq ft × 1.10 = 198 sq ft. Finally, calculate the total cost: 198 sq ft × $3.50/sq ft = $693.00.
  3. 3 The estimated total cost for carpeting the living room, including waste, is $693.00.
  4. 4 This calculation provides a clear budget for the carpet material, ensuring you purchase enough without excessive waste and understand the total expenditure upfront.

Source: HomeAdvisor · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate how much carpet I need?
Measure the room in feet, multiply length by width to get square feet, then divide by 9 for square yards (carpet is sold by the square yard). Add 10-15% for seams, waste, and pattern matching.
How much does carpet installation cost in 2026?
Carpet plus installation costs $3-$12 per square foot in 2026 ($27-$108 per square yard). Budget carpet runs $3-$5, mid-range $5-$8, and premium $8-$12+ per square foot including pad and installation.
What type of carpet pad should I use?
For most residential use, choose a 6 to 8 pound density pad that is 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick. Higher density pads extend carpet life and feel better underfoot. Berber carpet needs a firmer, thinner pad (3/8 inch maximum).