Carpet Cost Breakdown
| Component | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpet (per sq yd) | $2–5 | $5–10 | $15–25+ |
| Pad (per sq yd) | $1–1.50 | $1.50–2.50 | $3–5 |
| Installation (per sq yd) | $3–4 | $4–6 | $6–8 |
| Tack strips & misc | $0.50 | $0.75 | $1.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate square yards of carpet?+
Length (ft) × Width (ft) ÷ 9 = square yards. For a 12×15 ft room: 180 ÷ 9 = 20 sq yd. Add 10% waste = 22 sq yd. Always round up when ordering — you can't return partial rolls.
How much does carpet cost per square yard?+
Basic polyester carpet: $2–5/sq yd. Mid-grade nylon: $5–10/sq yd. Premium wool or SmartStrand: $15–25/sq yd. Add $1–3 for pad and $3–8 for professional installation. Total installed cost ranges from $6 to $36/sq yd.
How wide is carpet sold?+
Standard residential carpet rolls are 12 feet wide. This means a 12×15 ft room can be cut from one piece with 0 seams. A 14×20 ft room would need two pieces seamed together. Plan cuts to minimize seams in high-traffic areas.
How much extra carpet should I buy?+
10% extra covers waste for a standard rectangular room. Add 15% for rooms with closets, L-shapes, or angled walls. Always save leftover pieces — if a section gets damaged, a patch from the same dye lot is invisible.