Carpet Calculator

Carpet is sold by the square yard (sq yd) or square meter (m²), though priced per sq ft in some regions. Rolls come in standard widths: 12 ft (3.66m) or 15 ft (4.57m). Installers calculate running feet needed based on room dimensions and roll width. Seams are minimized for appearance. Always order 10-15% extra for waste, pattern matching, and future repairs.

Plan for 10-15% waste on most installations. Patterned carpet requires more due to pattern matching—up to 20-25%. Irregular room shapes increase waste. Stairs need extra for wrapping. Multiple rooms can sometimes reduce waste by using offcuts. Professional installers optimize cuts to minimize waste while ensuring seams fall in low-traffic areas.

Carpet prices: USA $2-15/sq ft; UK £8-50/m²; EU €10-60/m²; Australia A$20-100/m²; India ₹50-500/sq ft. Budget polyester starts low; premium wool costs 5-10× more. Padding adds $0.50-2/sq ft. Installation $1-5/sq ft. Total installed: $4-25/sq ft average. Get quotes including pad and installation for accurate comparison.

Yes, carpet pad is essential for comfort, insulation, and extending carpet life. Standard residential pad is 7/16" thick with 6 lb density. High-traffic areas need 8 lb density. Berber and low-pile carpets use thinner, firmer pad. Premium memory foam pad adds comfort but costs more. Skip pad only on glue-down commercial carpet over concrete.

For stairs, measure: (tread depth + riser height) × width × number of steps. Standard step = 18-20" running length × 36" width. Add 3" per step for wrap-around. 13 steps typically need 6-7 running yards. Landings count as floor area. Stairs create significant waste due to cutting. Professional installation is recommended for stairs—improper installation is a safety hazard.

Nylon is most durable for high-traffic areas—stain-resistant and long-lasting. Polyester is soft and affordable but crushes easier. Wool is premium, naturally stain-resistant but expensive. Olefin/polypropylene resists moisture for basements. Triexta (SmartStrand) offers durability with softness. Match fiber to use: bedrooms can use softer fibers; hallways need durability.