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Edited by Carolyn Barratt, Whoze, Handythirdy

Purchasing new carpet for your house is always exciting, but it can be a big expense, as well. Before buying carpet, measure your rooms yourself to get an idea of the amount of carpet you need. It's an easy process, and it will give you a more accurate estimate of what the carpet will cost. The retailer or carpet installer will generally schedule a date and time to come out to take measurements and evaluate the amount of carpet needed for your house before placing an order.



  1. Measure Carpet Step 1.jpg
    Draw a simple diagram of your home, showing all the rooms.
    • Make separate drawings for each level, or story, of your home. You could also use the blueprint of your home if you have it.
  2. Measure Carpet Step 2.jpg
    Measure each room for carpet. Skip any rooms where you will not be replacing or installing new carpet.
    • You will want to round each measurement up to the nearest 1/2 foot (15.24 centimeter).
    • Always start with the length first. Then follow that with the width for carpet measurement consistency.
  3. Measure Carpet Step 3.jpg
    Double check each carpet measurement to be sure it is accurate before recording it.
    • Write the measurements on each room diagram.
  4. Measure Carpet Step 4.jpg
    List all your room measurements.
    • Multiply the length by the width of each room resulting in room totals.
    • Tally up all the room totals. This will give you the total square footage for the amount of carpet you need.
  5. Measure Carpet Step 5.jpg
    Add 10 percent to the total square footage to allow for waste, seams and other additional carpet needed to complete the job.
  6. 6
    Divide the square footage by 9 to get the total square yards.
  7. Measure Carpet Step 7.jpg
    Calculate your total carpet price by multiplying your total square yards by the price of your carpet per square yard.

Add your own method



  • If your carpet installer's numbers are substantially different from yours, make certain you have the person explain why the measurements are different.
  • Carpet typically comes 12 feet (365.76 centimeter) wide. Carpet widths may also come in 13.5 (411.48 centimeter) and 15 feet (457.2 centimeter), but these widths are not as common and generally cost more per square yard.
  • If your room is wider than 12 feet (365.76 centimeter), either purchase a wider width or expect the installer to use seams to join the carpet sections.
  • Expect material waste, especially when your room is less than 12 feet (365.76 centimeter) wide.
  • Measure the furthest point of any room to the furthest opposite wall.
  • You should measure a room with a closet to the back wall of the closet.


  • Do not pay a deposit on the carpet until you agree with all the carpet and pad details, including the manufacturer, the carpet style, its color, its density, the total yardage, the type of yarn and the unit and total price. Make sure each detail is on the invoice correctly.
  • Never expect a carpet refund if you rely on your own measurements. Most stores will not refund your money if you make the mistake.

Things You'll Need

  • Diagram of rooms or blueprint
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Calculator

Article Info

Categories: Carpets and Rugs

Recent edits by: Whoze, Carolyn Barratt

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