Carpet Installation Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$1,700 – $2,772
$5.67 – $9.24 per sq ft
Carpet Material
$1,155 – $1,815
Labor
$413 – $743
Carpet Needed
36.7 sq yd
Padding Needed
36.7 sq yd
Padding Cost
$132 – $215
Ordering Tip: You need 36.7 sq yd of carpet (330 sq ft including 10% waste). Carpet is sold by the square yard, so confirm your room dimensions against roll widths (typically 12 ft or 15 ft) to minimize seams and waste.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Carpet Installation Cost Breakdown
| Carpet Grade | Material / Sq Ft | Labor / Sq Ft | Total Installed / Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Builder Grade | $2.00 – $3.50 | $1.00 – $2.00 | $3.25 – $5.90 |
| Mid Grade | $3.50 – $5.50 | $1.25 – $2.25 | $5.15 – $8.40 |
| Premium Grade | $5.50 – $8.00 | $1.50 – $2.50 | $7.65 – $11.50 |
| Luxury Grade | $8.00 – $14.00 | $2.00 – $3.00 | $10.00 – $18.00 |
Carpet Padding Cost by Quality
| Padding Quality | Cost / Sq Ft | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $0.25 – $0.40 | Rentals, low-traffic rooms |
| Standard | $0.40 – $0.65 | Most bedrooms & living rooms |
| Premium | $0.65 – $1.00 | High-traffic areas, luxury carpet |
Average Project Costs (Mid Grade, Standard Padding)
| Room | Area | Carpet (sq yd) | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | 144 sq ft | 17.6 sq yd | $742 – $1,210 |
| Living Room | 300 sq ft | 36.7 sq yd | $1,546 – $2,519 |
| Basement | 600 sq ft | 73.3 sq yd | $3,091 – $5,038 |
| Whole House | 1,500 sq ft | 183.3 sq yd | $7,728 – $12,594 |
How We Calculate
Our carpet installation cost calculator estimates project costs using room area, carpet grade, padding quality, and optional old carpet removal to produce a comprehensive installed price range.
How the math works: We take your room area in square feet, add a 10% waste factor, then multiply by the per-square-foot cost for your selected carpet grade, labor rate, and padding quality. If old carpet removal is selected, the removal cost is applied to the original area (no waste factor on removal). Carpet is sold by the square yard (1 sq yd = 9 sq ft), so we convert for ordering purposes.
Carpet Grade Comparison
Builder Grade ($2.00–$3.50/sq ft material, $1.00–$2.00/sq ft labor) is basic polyester or olefin carpet suitable for rentals, low-traffic rooms, or budget-conscious projects. Expect 3–5 years of wear in moderate traffic areas.
Mid Grade ($3.50–$5.50/sq ft material, $1.25–$2.25/sq ft labor) includes mid-weight nylon or PET polyester with stain treatment. The best value for most homes, lasting 5–10 years in bedrooms and living rooms.
Premium Grade ($5.50–$8.00/sq ft material, $1.50–$2.50/sq ft labor) features high-density nylon, SmartStrand, or upgraded textures. Enhanced stain and crush resistance, suitable for high-traffic areas. Lasts 10–15 years.
Luxury Grade ($8.00–$14.00/sq ft material, $2.00–$3.00/sq ft labor) includes wool, premium nylon, or designer patterns. Superior feel, appearance, and longevity (15–25 years). Professional installation is essential for warranty coverage.
Padding Quality Guide
Basic Padding ($0.25–$0.40/sq ft) is thin foam padding suitable for low-traffic areas and rental properties. Standard Padding ($0.40–$0.65/sq ft) is the most popular choice, offering good comfort and carpet protection. Premium Padding ($0.65–$1.00/sq ft) provides maximum cushion, sound insulation, and extends carpet life by 25–50%.
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover carpet material, padding, and installation labor. They do not include furniture moving ($50–$100 per room), subfloor repair ($2–$5/sq ft if needed), stair installation (add $10–$45 per step), custom seam placement or pattern matching (adds 5–15%), or baseboard/transition strip installation ($1–$3/linear ft). Sales tax on materials varies by state.
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, RSMeans, major carpet retailers (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Empire Today), and verified installer estimates across multiple US regions. We review and update this data regularly to reflect current material and labor rates.
Last updated: 2026-02-08
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does carpet installation cost? +
Carpet installation costs $3.25–$18.00 per square foot on average, including material, padding, and labor. Builder-grade carpet runs $3.25–$5.90/sq ft, mid-grade $5.15–$8.40/sq ft, premium $7.65–$11.50/sq ft, and luxury $10.00–$18.00/sq ft. A typical 300 sq ft living room costs $975–$5,400 depending on carpet quality.
How much does it cost to carpet a whole house? +
Carpeting a whole house (1,500 sq ft) costs $4,875–27,000 depending on carpet grade and padding quality. Most homeowners spend $7,700–$12,600 using mid-grade carpet with standard padding. Whole-house jobs often qualify for volume discounts of 10–15% on material.
What is the best carpet for bedrooms? +
Mid-grade plush or textured carpet ($3.50–$5.50/sq ft) is ideal for bedrooms. It offers a soft feel underfoot, good durability for low-traffic areas, and stain resistance. Pair it with standard or premium padding ($0.40–$1.00/sq ft) for extra comfort and sound insulation. Nylon and polyester are the most popular fiber choices for bedrooms.
How long does carpet installation take? +
A single room (150–300 sq ft) takes 2–4 hours to install. A full house (1,000–2,000 sq ft) typically takes 1–2 days. This includes moving furniture, removing old carpet (if needed), installing tack strips and padding, stretching and seaming the carpet, and trimming edges. Complex layouts with stairs or many seams take longer.
Should I remove old carpet before installing new? +
Yes, old carpet must be removed before new carpet is installed. You cannot install carpet over existing carpet. Removal costs $1.00–$1.50 per square foot and includes pulling up the carpet, removing the old padding, and disposing of the material. You can save $150–$300 per room by removing old carpet yourself before the installers arrive.
How much does carpet padding cost? +
Carpet padding costs $0.25–$1.00 per square foot depending on quality. Basic padding ($0.25–$0.40/sq ft) is suitable for low-traffic areas. Standard padding ($0.40–$0.65/sq ft) works for most rooms. Premium padding ($0.65–$1.00/sq ft) provides maximum comfort and extends carpet life by 25–50%. Never skip padding — it protects your carpet investment.
How much waste should I add for carpet? +
Add 10% waste factor for standard rectangular rooms. Rooms with closets, alcoves, or irregular shapes may need 15–20% extra. Carpet comes in rolls (typically 12 ft or 15 ft wide), so waste depends on how your room dimensions align with roll widths. Your installer will measure and calculate the exact amount, including seam placement to minimize visibility.
Is it cheaper to buy carpet at Home Depot or a local store? +
Big-box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s often offer competitive installed prices ($2–$6/sq ft for carpet + installation) and frequent sales. Local carpet stores may have higher prices but offer better selection, expert advice, and sometimes superior installation crews. Compare total installed prices (not just material cost) from at least 3 sources before committing.
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