Carpet Calculator

Our Carpet Calculator tells you exactly how much carpet to order, including a waste buffer. Here's how to use it:

Step 1: Enter the room length in feet.

Step 2: Enter the room width in feet.

Step 3: Enter your waste allowance as a percentage (defaults to 10% — the recommended minimum for most installations).

Step 4: Click Calculate to instantly see the total carpet needed in both square feet and square yards.

The calculator applies a waste-adjusted area formula:

Total Area (sq ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × (1 + Waste% ÷ 100)

Example: A 15 × 12 ft room with 10% waste: 15 × 12 × (1 + 10/100) = 180 × 1.1 = 198 sq ft

To convert to square yards: Total Area (sq yd) = Total Area (sq ft) ÷ 9 198 ÷ 9 = 22 sq yd

Note: 1 square yard = 9 square feet (a 3 ft × 3 ft square).

Buying a carpet involves more than just knowing the size of your room. Calculating the right amount of material and factoring in installation waste are essential to avoid running short or over-ordering.

This calculator estimates the total carpet area you need to order for a rectangular room. Because off-cuts from edge trimming, doorways, and pattern matching cannot be reused, it is standard practice to order at least 10% more carpet than the bare room area — this waste buffer is included in the calculation automatically using the default 10% value, which you can adjust for more complex layouts.

Choosing the Right Carpet The ideal carpet depends heavily on where it will be used. High-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms benefit from shorter, denser piles made from resilient synthetic fibers, which are easier to clean and hold up better over time. Low-traffic spaces such as bedrooms allow for softer, more luxurious options. If you have pets or young children, synthetic fibers are generally more practical and stain-resistant than natural alternatives.

Fiber Type Matters Natural fibers such as wool offer comfort and a premium feel, but they can be more sensitive to moisture, stains, and allergens. Synthetic fibers — including nylon, polyester, and polypropylene — are more durable, easier to maintain, and typically cost less. If your home has underfloor heating, make sure the fiber type you choose is rated as compatible before purchasing.

Don't Forget the Underlay Underlay sits beneath the carpet and plays a major role in comfort, longevity, and sound insulation. A good underlay reduces noise transmission (particularly important in multi-story homes) and adds thermal insulation. It also extends the life of the carpet by absorbing the impact of foot traffic rather than letting the carpet backing take the full load.