Carpet Installation Cost Calculator
Estimate the total cost to install carpet — including material, padding, and labor — by room size, carpet grade, and padding type.
Carpet installation cost overview
Carpet installation costs $3–$11 per square foot installed, including material, padding, and labor. A typical 200 sq ft bedroom with mid-grade nylon and 8 lb rebond padding costs $800–$1,400 total.
The main cost drivers are carpet fiber grade, padding quality, and room type. Stairs require significantly more labor per square foot than standard rooms. Nylon is the most durable fiber; wool is premium; polyester is the budget option.
Don't skimp on padding — a quality 8 lb rebond pad makes a budget carpet feel premium and can extend its lifespan by 2–5 years.
Cost by carpet grade
Economy Polyester
Budget option, compresses faster in traffic
$2–$4/sq ft
Mid-Range Polyester
Good value for bedrooms and low-traffic areas
$3–$5/sq ft
Nylon
Most popular — durable, stain-resistant, 10–15 yr lifespan
$4–$7/sq ft
Premium Nylon
Best nylon — solution-dyed, excellent stain resistance
$6–$10/sq ft
Triexta
Soft, durable, inherent stain resistance (SmartStrand)
$5–$9/sq ft
Wool
Premium natural fiber, 20–30+ yr lifespan
$9–$17/sq ft
Installed cost including material, 6–8 lb rebond padding, and labor.
How It Works
Measure the room
Enter dimensions in feet — carpet is sold by the square yard so rounding up matters.
Select carpet grade
Choose from builder-grade, mid-range, or premium based on fiber type and face weight.
Add padding type
Quality padding extends carpet life and improves comfort — costs $0.50–$1.50/sq ft extra.
Carpet Installation Cost by Grade
| Grade | Carpet + Pad | Installed Total/Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|
| Builder-grade | $0.80–$1.50 | $3.50–$5.50 |
| Mid-range | $2.00–$4.00 | $5.50–$8.00 |
| Premium | $4.00–$8.00 | $8.00–$14.00 |
| Luxury (wool, berber) | $8.00–$20.00 | $14.00–$30.00 |
Furniture moving and old carpet removal add $0.50–$1.00/sq ft.
Frequently asked questions
How much does carpet installation cost?
Carpet installation costs $3–$11 per square foot installed. A typical 200 sq ft bedroom costs $600–$2,000. Stairs add significant labor — typically $3–$5/sq ft vs. $1–$1.75/sq ft for standard rooms.
What is the best carpet fiber for high traffic?
Nylon is the best all-around carpet for high-traffic areas. Solution-dyed nylon (SDN) offers the best stain resistance. Triexta is a close second with excellent softness and durability. Avoid polyester in high-traffic areas — it compresses and mats faster.
How many square yards of carpet do I need?
Divide your total square footage by 9 to get square yards. Always add 12% for waste and pattern matching. Our calculator handles this automatically — just enter your room dimensions.