How to Estimate Carpet Yardage

Draw a diagram of the area you wish to carpet on a piece of paper. It does not have to be detailed. Sketch simple outlines of the shape of the rooms to give you a place to write in dimensions later. Include all wall surfaces to help you with cutting the carpet prior to installation, since not all rooms are perfectly square or rectangular.

Use a tape measure along all the walls of each room that is to be carpeted. Note the length measurements of each wall on the diagram until you have covered all the walls of every room involved. At the end of the process you should double-check your diagram to be sure you didn't skip any sections. Leaving out any measurements could drastically affect your square yardage.

Calculate the total square footage of floors that will be covered by multiplying the total length of each room by the total width of the room. Write the square footage in the center of each room on your diagram for reference.

Increase the total square feet of each figure by 10 percent and circle the new figure. This increase will help cover any extra carpet needed for unusually-shaped areas.

Convert the total square footage of the carpeting area to square yards. There are three square feet in each square yard. Add the total of all square footage written on your diagram and divide the total by three. The result will be an accurate estimate of what you'll need to complete the job. This answer will ensure you have the correct amount and will help you determine the cost of the project as well. The same figure can be used for any padding that will be installed underneath the carpet.