How many square feet in a roll of carpet?
Quick Answer
A standard carpet roll is 12 feet wide and typically 100 feet long, covering 1,200 square feet per roll. Rolls also come in 13.5-foot and 15-foot widths. Carpet is usually sold by the linear yard (3 feet of length from a 12-foot roll = 4 square yards = 36 sq ft), not by the roll.
Quick Reference Table
| Roll width | Carpet roll dimensions |
|---|---|
| 12 ft wide (standard) | 100 ft long = 1,200 sq ft |
| 13.5 ft wide | 100 ft long = 1,350 sq ft |
| 15 ft wide | 100 ft long = 1,500 sq ft |
| 1 linear yard (12 ft wide) | 36 sq ft = 4 sq yd |
How to Calculate It Yourself
- 1
Carpet is sold in linear yards from a 12-foot wide roll.
- 2
Convert room dimensions to linear yards: room length (ft) ÷ 3 = linear yards.
- 3
Add 10% for seams and waste.
- 4
In square yards: room area (sq ft) ÷ 9 × 1.10 = sq yd to order.
- 5
Example: 15×20 room = 300 sq ft ÷ 9 = 33.3 sq yd + 10% = 37 sq yd.
Pro Tip
Always measure in the direction the carpet will run — the 12-foot roll width may or may not align with your room's longer dimension. Minimize seams by running the carpet lengthwise in the room.
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