Why is carpet estimated in linear feet?

Broadloom carpet is cut from a roll of fixed width. Linear length therefore depends on how many full-width strips the room needs.

Is square footage alone enough to order carpet?

No. Roll width, seam placement, pattern repeat, pile direction and room shape can make the required cut area larger than the floor area.

Does the result include closets and doorways?

Only if their dimensions are included in the room measurements. Calculate irregular sections separately and ask the installer to create a seam plan.

What is the trim allowance?

It is extra length added to every strip so installers can position and trim the carpet. Patterned products may need a larger allowance.

Home project calculator

Carpet Calculator

Estimate carpet square yards and linear feet from room dimensions, roll width, trim allowance and the lower-waste of two basic orientations.

Live estimate

Enter project measurements

Room lengthftRoom widthftRoll widthftTrim per cutinMinimum allowance%

Estimated roll length

15.5 linear ft

Cuts run with the room length

Floor area: 150 ft²
Floor area: 16.67 yd²
Full-width strips: 1
Each cut: 15.5 ft
Order area: 186 ft²

Transparent calculation

Formula used

Linear feet = number of roll-width strips × cut length

The calculator compares strips running in both room directions and uses the lower-area option. A percentage allowance is also applied as a minimum, but final seam layout requires the actual product pattern and room plan.

Worked example

For a 15 × 10 ft room and a 12 ft roll, one 15.5 ft cut covers the room when a 6 inch trim allowance is used, before pattern matching or doorway details.

How to use this estimate

1Measure the room at its longest and widest points.
2Enter the exact carpet roll width from the selected product.
3Allow extra cut length for trimming and pattern alignment.
4Have the installer confirm seam direction, doorways, closets and pattern repeat.

Carpet Calculator FAQs

Answers to the most common measurement and ordering questions.