How Much Carpet Do You Need?
Calculate square yards of carpet and padding for any room. Includes seam placement and cost estimate.
Measuring for Carpet
Carpet is sold by the square yard (1 sq yd = 9 sq ft). Measure room length and width in feet, multiply, add 10% for waste, then divide by 9. Standard carpet rolls are 12 feet wide — if your room is wider than 12 feet, you will need a seam. Position seams in low-traffic areas and perpendicular to the main light source for the least visibility.
Padding Matters
Never skip carpet padding. It extends carpet life by 50%, improves comfort, reduces noise, and adds insulation. Standard padding is 6-8 lb density and 7/16" thick. Premium padding (8-10 lb) is worth the upgrade for high-traffic areas and luxury carpet. Avoid rebond padding thicker than 1/2" under carpet — it creates a spongy feel that accelerates carpet wear.
Carpet stores often quote price per square yard but measure rooms in square feet. To compare prices fairly: multiply the per-yard price by 0.111 to get the per-square-foot price. A $36/sq yd carpet = $4/sq ft.
