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Get the right carpet size with simple, beginner-friendly steps.
Measuring your space correctly is the key to a perfect carpet fit. This guide will help you measure rooms, hallways, landings, and stairs with confidence.
Please note: We don’t offer a fitting service. However, many people now order their flooring online, and it’s easy to find a local fitter in your area. If you are reasonably competent at DIY, you may also fit the carpet yourself using the many online guides available for reference.
Before you begin, grab a tape measure, paper, and a pencil to sketch the layout or have your phone ready to capture the sizes. Even a rough drawing helps you avoid mistakes.
1. Measure the longest length
Start at one wall and measure straight across to the opposite side. Always measure end to end, including the space in the doorway. If your flooring continues into another room, make sure you measure right up to that connecting point.
2. Measure the widest width
Now measure the widest part of the room. This includes bay windows, alcoves, and cupboard spaces. Rooms are rarely perfectly square, so identifying the widest point keeps you safe from ordering too little.
3. Add 5-10 cm trimming allowance
Always add up to 10 cm (4 inches) to both the length and width. This extra material allows your fitter to trim the carpet neatly and handle any slight irregularities in the walls.
4. Match your measurements to carpet roll widths
Most carpets come in 4 m or 5 m widths. Choose the width that allows your room to be covered with the fewest joins.
Examples:
If your room is wider than the available roll widths, you may need a join. Your fitter can advise on the neatest join placement.
5. For L-shaped or irregular rooms
Break the layout into smaller rectangles. Measure each section individually and then add the measurements together. Irregular rooms often need a bit more allowance, so don’t forget your extra 10 cm.
6. Double-check every measurement
Measure again. A quick recheck saves money and prevents ordering the wrong size.
Stairs can look complicated, but once you understand the basic idea, they become simple.
1. Measure one step
You’ll need to measure:
• The tread (the flat part you step on)
• The riser (the vertical front section)
Add these two together.
Example: 25 cm (tread) + 18 cm (riser) = 43 cm per step.
2. Measure the width of your stairs
Measure wall to wall across each step. Most stairs are uniform, but it’s still worth checking if your top or bottom steps are wider.
3. Count all steps
Multiply the measurement of one step by the total number of steps. This gives you the total length of carpet needed for your staircase.
4. Add 10 cm allowance
This extra allowance helps fitters work around nosings, curves, or small uneven edges.
5. For winding, curved, or open steps
These types of steps often need extra carpet because the shape widens at one end. Measure each step individually at its widest point.
If in doubt, take photos and share them with us. We’ll guide you through the right approach.
Hallways and landings come in all shapes and sizes, so treat each one like a small room.
1. Measure length and width
Start by finding the longest and widest points. Even small bends or narrow extensions must be included.
2. Include corners, turns, and door openings
Hallways often have small corners or open areas near entrances. Make sure these are measured, as they can affect the carpet width you need.
3. Add 10 cm allowance
Just like with rooms, your fitter will need extra material to handle doorframes, corners, and trimming.
4. Keep carpet direction consistent
For the best look, the carpet pile should run in the same direction from the stairs into the landing and the hallway. This prevents the colour from appearing different in certain lighting.
Choosing the right roll width can save you money and reduce waste.
Most carpets come in two common widths:
Here’s how to decide:
Adding your 10 cm trimming allowance is still important. For example, if your room measures 5 m × 3.6 m, it becomes 5.10 m × 3.70m with allowance added. You would then choose the roll width that best covers the widest part of your room.
If patterns, stripes, or wood-effect designs are used, remember that these run along the length of the roll. Patterned carpets often need extra length to ensure the design lines up correctly at joins.
If you’re unsure about any measurement, don’t worry. Contact Carpet Online; we’re happy to answer your questions, give guidance, and help you feel confident before placing your order.
