Carpet Calculator
Accurately calculating the amount of carpet you need is the first step to a successful flooring project. This prevents over-buying expensive material or, worse, running short before the job is done. Our Carpet Calculator helps you estimate the total square yardage and cost for your room.
How to Calculate Carpet Requirements
Calculating the amount of carpet needed involves a few simple steps. The key is to measure accurately and account for waste, which is extra material needed for cuts, seams, and matching patterns.
Step 1: Measure Your Room
Using a tape measure, find the length and width of your room in feet. For L-shaped rooms, divide the space into two rectangles, calculate the area for each, and then add them together.
Step 2: Calculate the Area in Square Feet
Multiply the length by the width to get the total area in square feet.
Area (sq ft) = Room Length (ft) × Room Width (ft)
Step 3: Convert to Square Yards
Carpet is typically sold by the square yard. To convert your measurement, divide the total square feet by 9, as there are 9 square feet in 1 square yard.
Area (sq yd) = Area (sq ft) / 9
Step 4: Add a Waste Factor
No room is a perfect fit for a standard roll of carpet. You will need extra material to account for cuts, seams, and ensuring any patterns line up correctly. A standard waste factor is 10-15%. For complex room shapes or intricate patterns, you might need up to 20%.
Total Carpet Needed (sq yd) = Area (sq yd) × (1 + (Waste Factor / 100))
Step 5: Estimate the Total Cost
Finally, multiply the total square yards of carpet you need by the price per square yard to get your estimated material cost. This does not include padding, installation, or other fees.
Total Cost = Total Carpet Needed (sq yd) × Price per Square Yard
Calculation Example
Let's say you have a room that is 12 feet wide by 15 feet long. The carpet you've chosen costs $30 per square yard, and you want to include a 10% waste factor.
- Area in Square Feet: 12 ft × 15 ft = 180 sq ft
- Area in Square Yards: 180 sq ft / 9 = 20 sq yd
- Carpet Needed with Waste: 20 sq yd × (1 + (10 / 100)) = 20 × 1.10 = 22 sq yd
- Estimated Total Cost: 22 sq yd × $30 = $660
Therefore, you would need to purchase 22 square yards of carpet for an estimated cost of $660.