How to measure your room for carpets and sheet vinyl
As carpets and sheet vinyl only usually come in set widths, measuring a room for them differs slightly to measuring for a hard floor in that you only need to take two measurements – the longest length and the widest width.
Measuring a square or rectangular room
First, measure the width of your room, including any alcoves, door recesses, or bay windows (size A).
Carpets are usually sold in set widths so, if your space is between sizes, you’ll need to opt for the larger. Any extra carpet is known as an offcut. With 4m and 5m widths available, we’ve got something for every room in the home.
Then, take the measurement of the length of your room, again including any alcoves, door recesses, or bay windows (size B).
Carpets can usually be cut to any length required but always add an extra 10% to any measurement to allow for deviations in the wall and the cutting of your carpet when fitted.
Measuring an odd shaped room
First, measure the width of your room, including any alcoves, door recesses, or bay windows (size A).
If you have an oddly shaped room, you will need to take the widest width and the longest length measurements to calculate the carpet you need.
If your room is L-shaped, for example, the area highlighted (C) will be wastage.
Here to help
Double check all measurements before you order and if you need any further advice, our friendly team of Flooring Experts will be happy to help. Call them on 02476 012 840 or email customerservices@ukflooringdirect.co.uk .
How to measure hard flooring
You’ll need to take slightly different measurements if you’re looking at hard floors (laminate, luxury vinyl, or real wood). Read our hard floor measuring guide for a full how-to.
Hard flooring guideHow to measure stairs
There are a few more steps that need to be considered when measuring stairs for carpet. Read our stairs measuring guide for a full how-to.
Stairs measuring guide