Calculate how much carpet and padding you need for any room. Get results in both square feet and square yards — the standard unit carpet is sold in. Includes waste factor for seams and cuts.
Use 10% for simple rooms, 15% for rooms with closets, angles, or doorway transitions
Estimates only — carpet roll width and seam placement can affect actual material needed. Get a professional measurement for exact quantities.
Carpeting a 12×14 foot bedroom with 10% waste? The room is 168 square feet, plus waste brings it to 185 sqft. That's 21 square yards of carpet. At $3–$6 per square foot ($27–$54 per square yard) for mid-range carpet, materials run $555–$1,110 including padding.
| Room Size | Square Feet | Sq Yds (10% waste) |
|---|---|---|
| 10×10 | 100 | 13 |
| 10×12 | 120 | 15 |
| 12×14 | 168 | 21 |
| 14×20 | 280 | 35 |
| 16×24 | 384 | 47 |
Measure the room length × width in feet to get square feet, add 10% for waste, then divide by 9. A 12×14 room needs about 21 square yards.
Budget carpet runs $15–$25 per square yard. Mid-range is $25–$45. Premium runs $45–$80+. Padding adds $2–$4 per square yard. Installation adds $4–$8 per square yard.
Standard carpet rolls are 12 feet wide. If your room is wider than 12 feet, you'll need a seam. Some carpet comes in 15-foot widths. Your installer will plan the seam placement to minimize visibility.
If your existing padding is in good condition (no odor, not compressed flat, no moisture damage), you may be able to reuse it. But new padding is cheap insurance — it extends carpet life and improves comfort.
Divide square feet by 9. For example: 180 sqft ÷ 9 = 20 square yards.
Typical Results
💡 Rooms wider than 12' will need seams — ask your installer where they'll fall before finalizing layout.
Common Mistakes