How Do I Measure My Carpet?

Measuring for carpet primarily involves determining the area of the space where it will be installed. Basically, measuring for carpet is just a matter of measuring the length and width of the room, then multiplying them together to get the square footage. This provides the fundamental measurement you'll need.

The Basic Calculation: Square Footage

The most straightforward way to measure for carpet is to treat your room as a rectangle or square.

• Measure the Length: Find the longest dimension of the room.
• Measure the Width: Find the widest dimension of the room.
• Multiply: Multiply the length by the width.

This calculation gives you the total area in square feet. For instance, the reference notes, "If your bedroom is 10 by 15 feet, you'll need 150 square feet of carpet for that room."

Beyond Simple Rectangles

While the basic length-times-width formula is the starting point, most carpets aren't just installed in a single, rectangular room. Homes often have irregular room shapes, closets, alcoves, and multiple areas that need covering (hallways, stairs, multiple bedrooms).

To measure more complex areas:

1. Divide and Conquer: Break down the total area into smaller, manageable rectangles or squares.
2. Measure Each Section: Measure the length and width of each individual section.
3. Calculate Each Section's Area: Multiply the length and width for each section to get its square footage.
4. Add Areas Together: Sum up the square footage of all the individual sections to get the total required area.

For areas like hallways, treat them as long rectangles. For stairs, measure the tread (where you step) and riser (the vertical part) and multiply by the number of steps.

Practical Tips for Measuring

• Use a Steel Tape Measure: Cloth tapes can stretch, leading to inaccuracies.
• Measure to the Longest Point: Account for doorways and alcoves by measuring into them if they will be carpeted.
• Sketch the Layout: Draw a simple diagram of your room(s), noting down the measurements as you take them. This helps visualize the areas and prevents errors.
• Consider Waste and Seams: Carpet comes in rolls of standard widths (commonly 12 or 15 feet). Professional installers plan for seams and typically need extra material for cuts and fitting, often adding 10-20% to the total area measurement. While your basic measurement is the square footage, the amount you buy might be more.

Example Table

Here’s how you might measure a simple room with a closet:

By measuring sections like this, you get a more accurate total area for your carpet project.