Measure the dimensions of your area rug using your measuring tape.
Purchase a rug pad that measures slightly less than those dimensions on your area rug; one to two inches less is ideal.
Cut out the appropriate amount of material on your rug pad. If you have a particularly large area rug, you can cut out several strips of rug pad to cover the area.
Lay the rug pad or strips on the floor with the sticky side facing down.
Place your area rug on top of the rug pad.