Carpet Calculator

Carpet is sold in fixed-width rolls, so every cut leaves offcuts you pay for but can't use. Pattern matching, seams, angled walls, and trim mistakes all push your actual purchase above the net room area. A 10% waste allowance covers most rectangular rooms; 15% or more is safer for L-shaped rooms or any layout with multiple seams.

Pick 12 ft if you're unsure, since it's the most common residential roll width sold in the US. Some styles, including many commercial ones, come in 13.5 or 15 ft rolls, which can reduce seams in wide rooms. Check with your supplier before buying, because the roll width directly affects how many linear feet the calculator shows you need.

The calculator multiplies your net room area (in square feet) by your waste factor, then divides by 9, since 1 square yard equals 9 square feet. For example, a 12 ft x 15 ft room is 180 sq ft, or 20 sq yd before any waste. Add 10% waste and you need 22 sq yd to order.

The figure is in linear feet. For a rectangular room, the calculator checks both strip orientations against your roll width and uses the shorter feasible layout, then adds waste. L-shaped and custom-area projects use an area-based estimate because their exact cut plan is unknown. Confirm seams and pile direction before ordering.

Yes, for almost every installation. Padding extends carpet life, cushions footfall, and improves sound absorption. The calculator sets padding square yardage equal to your carpet square yardage (waste included), which is standard practice, since you cover the same floor area with both materials.