Installing new carpeting can refresh the look of your home and make interior spaces more comfortable. Carpet comes in a wide selection of styles, materials, textures, and colors to complement any decor. An important first step when purchasing carpet is calculating how much you need.

    Buying and installing new carpet involves measuring room dimensions, converting the measurements to square yards, and adding extra yardage to account for waste during installation.

    Read more for details about measuring carpet, price factors, hiring a professional installer, and helpful buying tips.


    How to Measure for Carpet

    When determining how much carpet you need, start by measuring the length and width of each room to be carpeted. Use a steel tape measure and record all measurements in feet and inches. Be sure to include adjoining spaces like hallways, stairs, and closets if they will also receive new flooring.

    For rooms with irregular shapes, divide the area into smaller rectangles and triangles to make calculating the square footage straightforward. Multiply the length by the width measurements for each space to find the total square footage.

    Once you have the combined square footage amount, divide by 9 to convert to square yards. That’s because carpet is sold by the square yard, with a square yard equaling a 3-foot by 3-foot area.

    Finally, our years of experience tell us to add 10 to 15% extra to account for waste. Carpet comes in standard 12’ or 15’ wide rolls. Installers often have leftover scraps after cutting pieces to fit each room. The waste factor covers this. For example, if you have an 11’ x 12’ room, you will have a 1’ strip with a 12-foot width leftover from the carpet roll.


    What Impacts Carpet Pricing?

    Several key factors determine how much new carpeting will cost. Being familiar with these variables helps set realistic expectations when budgeting for your project.

    The main factors that affect carpet pricing are:

    • Fiber material: Synthetics like nylon and polyester are more affordable. Natural fibers such as wool are premium.
    • Pile height: Thicker and plusher carpeting is more costly. Low-pile commercial-grade carpet is cheaper.
    • Quality: Higher-end carpet brands and carpets with better construction, intricate patterns, softness, and durability command higher prices.
    • Treatments: Stain resistance, antimicrobials, and other treatments increase price.
    • Cushion: Adding new thick padding improves comfort underfoot but adds expense.

    On average, carpeting runs $1–5 per square foot for materials. Installation labor and preparation work typically add $1–2 per square foot. Luxury wool carpets cost $6–15 per square foot or more.

    This calculator tool from Godfrey Hirst provides estimated price ranges based on total square yards needed and low, average, or high-end carpet quality. This provides a helpful budgeting starting point.

    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    For a carpet calculator to work best for you, you must measure the room sizes in your home accurately. Your measurements determine how much carpet you need. Take your time with this step. Double-check your measurements and your math. Having extra carpet is better than coming up short halfway through the installation.

    The most common carpet fiber types include:

    • Nylon: Strong, durable, resilient, and stain-resistant. Top choice for high-traffic areas like living rooms.
    • Polyester: Colorfast, soft, and affordable. Prone to matting in heavy-use areas.
    • Olefin: The solution-dyed type is highly stain and fade-resistant. Not as soft as other synthetics.
    • Wool: Luxuriously soft, durable pile that resists dirt and flame naturally. Much pricier than synthetics.

    Carpet construction elements like density, pile height, and face weight impact quality, feel, and total cost.

    • Density: More tufts/stitches per square inch increases density, resilience, and price.
    • Pile height: Measured from carpet backing to tip, taller piles feel plusher but show footprints.
    • Face weight: Heavier face weights last longer but cost more. Aim for ≥ 50 oz in high-traffic areas.

    Hiring a Professional Installer

    While DIY installation is possible for carpeting, it’s physically demanding work often best left to experienced professionals. Hiring a certified carpet installer ensures quality results.

    When meeting with installers, ask these key questions:

    • Do they offer furniture moving services? Furniture moving makes installation faster and easier for you.
    • Will they remove and dispose of old carpeting? Carpet removal is time-intensive.
    • Are they an authorized dealer for your desired brand? Dealers often provide discounts.
    • Do they offer any labor warranties? Many carpet installers give a guarantee to their customers. Some guarantees are as long as 10 years.

    Request written estimates from at least three top-rated installers. Check online reviews before selecting one. On top of the carpet cost, expect to pay around $1–2 per square foot for quality installation work.

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    Helpful Carpet Buying Tips

    Here are a few helpful tips for when it’s time for you to buy a new carpet:

    • Buy an extra 5–10% more carpet than measurements show. It’s better to have leftover carpet than to come up short mid-job.
    • Unroll the carpet and let it sit overnight before installing. This technique enables the material to relax and lay flat when stretched out.
    • For basements prone to flooding, consider putting down carpet tiles. This way, you can swap out tiles selectively while replacing the entire carpet because of one wet area.
    • Pick carpet with a minimum of 50 ounces of face weight for durability in high-traffic areas. In this case, higher is better.
    • Bring home samples to see how carpet swatches look against your walls, furniture, and decor.
    • Ask retailers about financing options to make payments more manageable over time.

    So, Is New Carpet Worthwhile?

    For homes with worn carpeting, installing new plush carpet can dramatically improve appearance and comfort underfoot. Carpet provides insulation, absorbs noise, and offers a warm, welcoming feel. When kept clean, it’s also a healthy flooring option for children and pets.

    While alternatives like luxury vinyl plank flooring and hardwood have grown in popularity, carpeting remains the most widely used type in bedrooms, finished basements, and other living areas. Competitive pricing, wide style selection, noise reduction, and cozy appeal make it a top choice.

    Consider a replacement if your current carpet is badly stained, flattened in high-traffic areas, or has gaps from stretching. New carpet enhances the look of your home. Quality carpeting can last 10 to 15 years or more with regular maintenance.


    FAQs About Carpet Installation

    How Much Does Professional Carpet Installation Cost?

    On average, expect to pay $2–3 per square foot for carpet labor and installation. The price includes subfloor preparation, old carpet removal, transitions, disposal fees, and more. Rates vary based on your location and home improvement project scope.


    Should I Upgrade the Carpet Pad?

    Yes, replacing worn padding when installing new carpet is highly recommended. Old, thin padding shortens carpet life significantly. New thick padding adds insulation and a softer underfoot feel. Plan on $0.50–1 per square foot for quality pads.


    What Carpet Is Best for Pets?

    Nylon is often the best carpet for homes with pets due to its durability and stain resistance. Look for a tight, low-pile construction. Treatments like Stainmaster PetProtect provide added protection against soiling and odors.


    How Long Does Carpet Installation Take?

    How long carpet installation takes depends on the size of the carpeted area. As a rough guide, installers can complete 500-1,000 square feet daily. A 2,000-square-foot home would take around two to four days. Preparation work also adds time to the carpet installation.


    Should I Purchase Extra Carpet?

    You should purchase extra carpet when you decide it’s time for a new one. It’s smart to buy 10–15% more carpet than measurements show. Carpet comes in wide rolls. Scraps often remain after cutting and fitting pieces. The extra amount of carpet provides wiggle room to avoid coming up short.


    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Jonathon Jachura

    Jonathon Jachura

    Contributor

    Jonathon Jachura is a two-time homeowner with hands-on experience with HVAC, gutters, plumbing, lawn care, pest control, and other aspects of owning a home. He is passionate about home maintenance and finding the best services. His main goal is to educate others with crisp, concise descriptions that any homeowner can use. Jon uses his strong technical background to create engaging, easy-to-read, and informative guides. He does most of his home and lawn projects himself but hires professional companies for the “big things.” He knows what goes into finding the best service providers and contractors. Jon studied mechanical engineering at Purdue University in Indiana and worked in the HVAC industry for 12 years. Between his various home improvement projects, he enjoys the outdoors, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with his family.

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    Sabrina Lopez

    Editor

    Sabrina Lopez is a senior editor for Today’s Homeowner with over 7 years of writing and editing experience in digital media. She has reviewed content across categories that matter to homeowners, including HVAC services, home renovations, lawn and garden care, products for the home, and insurance services. When she’s not reviewing articles to make sure they are helpful, accessible, and engaging for homeowners like herself, Sabrina enjoys spending time with her family and their two parrots.

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