Carpet Calculator

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

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: HomeAdvisor

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).