How to Calculate the Yardage Measurements for Carpet

Measure the length and width of the room in feet, but omit alcoves, closets and hallways. Write the width and length measurements on the notepad.

Measure the width and length in feet of any alcoves, closets or hallways adjacent to the main room, which will also be carpeted.

Multiply the length and width of the main room to determine that area in square feet. For instance, a 10 foot by 9 foot bedroom would have a square footage of 10 x 9 = 90 square feet.

Calculate the square footage of alcoves, closets or hallways by multiplying the length and width of those spaces. For example, the 6 foot by 6 foot closet would have a square footage of 6 x 6 = 36 square feet.

Divide both of the areas in square feet by nine to find the yardage of each area. For example, the bedroom would have a square yardage of 90/9 = 10 square yards, and the closet would have a square yardage of 36/9 = 4 square yards.

Add the square yardage of all areas to be carpeted to determine the total amount of yardage needed. In the example above: 10 square yards + 4 square yards = 14 square yards.

Multiply the total yardage by 1.10 to add a 10 percent overage to allow for miscuttings and matching patterns. For the example: 14 x 1.10 = 15.40 square yards.