Carpet Installation Cost Calculator (Metric)
Enter your room size and per-square-foot prices to get an all-in estimate for carpet, padding, and installation.
What your result means
Total cost is your all-in estimate for carpet, pad, and labor. The per-square-foot figure lets you compare quotes fast. Material is figured on the waste-adjusted square footage since you buy extra, while labor is on the actual room. Stairs, furniture moving, and old-carpet removal are charged on top.
How to use this calculator
- Measure room length and width in feet.
- Get carpet price per sq ft from samples.
- Padding is usually $0.50/sqft for standard 8 lb rebond.
- Get install labor quote (usually $1-2/sqft).
- Read the carpet, pad, labor, and total cost breakdown.
The formula
Room square footage is length times width. Carpet and pad are figured on that plus your waste percentage, since you buy extra. Labor is figured on the actual room. Add the three together for the total, then divide by room square feet for the all-in rate.
Worked example
Say you're carpeting a 15 by 3.7 m bedroom: $3.50/sq ft carpet, $0.50 pad, $1 labor, 10% waste. That's 16.7 m² of room, 198 purchased with waste. Carpet runs $693, pad $99, labor $180, for $972 total, or about $5.40 a square foot all in.
Carpet grade, price, and lifespan
| Grade | Carpet price (per sq ft) | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Builder / budget | $1 – $2 | 3 – 5 years |
| Mid-grade | $3 – $5 | 10 – 15 years |
| High-end | $6 – $12 | 15 – 25 years |
Tips & gotchas
- Padding adds life. Skimp on the pad and you cut carpet lifespan by a third to half.
- Labor is figured on the actual room square footage; the waste only applies to the material you buy.
- Stairs get charged on their own, usually $5 to $10 a step.
- Move the furniture yourself to save the $50 to $150 most installers charge for it.
- Pull the old carpet yourself and you'll often knock $0.50 to $1 a square foot off the bill.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to install carpet?
The US average runs $5 to $8 per square foot installed, covering carpet, pad, and labor.
Is padding necessary?
Yes. It absorbs impact, extends carpet life, and makes the floor feel better underfoot.
How long does carpet installation take?
A standard bedroom is 2 to 4 hours. A whole house runs a day or two.
Can I install carpet myself?
You can, but it needs a power stretcher (about $50/day to rent) and some skill. Most DIYers wish they'd hired it out.
Should I get the cheapest carpet?
No. Cheap carpet wears out in 3 to 5 years. Mid-grade at $3 to $5 a foot lasts 10 to 15 and is the better value.
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