Flooring Estimators
Carpet Calculator
Estimate broadloom or carpet tiles for any space. Factor in roll width to find the required linear length, or calculate pieces for tile-based flooring with a professional waste allowance.
Carpet Calculator
Broadloom roll goods or carpet tiles with waste allowance
Results
Enter dimensions above to calculate
How Broadloom is Calculated
Broadloom comes in fixed widths. The calculator suggests the best orientation to minimize seams and waste while ensuring the entire room is covered.
Common Broadloom Roll Widths
| System | Roll Width | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Imperial | 12 feet | Standard residential US |
| Imperial | 15 feet | Wide-width commercial |
| Metric | 3.66 metres | Standard UK/Aus/NZ |
| Metric | 4.00 metres | Standard European |
Step-by-Step Formulas
1. Net Floor Area
Begin by measuring the total footprint of the room. Subtract any areas that will not be carpeted, such as a fireplace hearth or a built-in cabinetry base.
2. Waste Allowance
Waste covers trimming, fitting into doorways, and pattern matching. 10% is standard. For patterned carpet or high-traffic areas where seams must be minimized, budget 12–15%.
3. Broadloom Roll Planning
Broadloom is sold by the linear foot or yard from a fixed-width roll (usually 12 ft or 4 m). The calculator accounts for total coverage and suggested orientation to minimize waste.
4. Carpet Tile Estimation
For carpet tiles, divide the order area by the individual tile area (eg 500 × 500 mm). The result is rounded up to the nearest whole tile.
Worked Example
Imperial: 15 ft × 20 ft master bedroom, 12 ft roll width, 10% waste.
💡 Pro tip
Whenever possible, plan seams to be away from doorways and main traffic light sources. For patterned carpet, ensure you order enough to allow for the horizontal and vertical "pattern repeat" length, which can significantly increase waste beyond 10%.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much waste should I add for carpet?
- For most rooms, 10% waste is standard. Add 15% if the room is irregular or if you are using patterned carpet that requires precise seam alignment.
- What is the standard broadloom roll width?
- The most common width is 12 feet (3.66 m), but 15-foot and 4-metre rolls are also widely available. Always confirm the roll width with your retailer.
- Should I buy carpet by square feet or square yards?
- Suppliers traditionally quote by the square yard, but modern retailers often use square feet. Note: 1 sq yd = 9 sq ft.