Carpet Calculator
Estimate the square yards of carpet and the length of a 12-foot roll for a room.
Calculator
| Room in sq yd (+10%) | 17.6 yd² |
|---|---|
| Linear feet of 12 ft roll | 12 ft |
| Room area | 144 ft² |
How it is calculated
12 × 12 = 144 sq ft = 16.0 sq yd; +10% = 17.6 sq yd. With 12 ft wide broadloom you cut 12 linear feet, which is 16.0 sq yd.
About this calculator
Carpet is sold by the square yard or cut from a broadloom roll, commonly 12 feet wide. Divide the room's square feet by 9 to get square yards, then add an allowance for waste and pattern matching.
Because rolls have a fixed width, the amount you actually buy is usually more than the room's area. The calculator shows both: the room in square yards and the length of a 12-foot roll you would need.
Worked examples
| Project | Square yards from a 12 ft roll | Rough cost |
|---|---|---|
| a 10x12 ft room | 16.0 yd² | $240 – $720 |
| a 12x12 ft room | 16.0 yd² | $240 – $720 |
| a 12x15 ft room | 20.0 yd² | $300 – $900 |
| a 15x20 ft room | 53.3 yd² | $800 – $2,400 |
Buying notes
- Rooms wider than the roll need a seam; plan where it falls, away from traffic.
- Ask the installer for a layout before ordering so the roll length is right.
- Carpet pad and installation are separate costs.
Quick answers by size
Click a size for the exact quantity and cost.
How to measure and use this calculator
- Measure the room at its widest and longest points.
- Enter length and width for square yards and 12-foot roll length.
- Plan where seams will fall; put them out of high-traffic spots.
- Add padding and installation to the budget.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring pile direction when planning seams.
- Forgetting stairs and closets.
- Buying with no allowance for pattern matching.
Tips
- Carpet is usually sold in 12-foot widths, so a room wider than that needs a seam.
- Pile direction must match across seams; ask your installer for a layout.
- Add padding and installation to the budget.
Frequently asked questions
How many square yards of carpet do I need?
Divide the room's square feet by 9 and add 10% for waste and pattern matching.
How do I convert square feet to square yards?
Divide by 9. A 12 × 15 foot room is 180 square feet, or 20 square yards.
How much extra carpet should I buy?
Ten percent is a common allowance for waste; patterned carpet may need more.