How much does carpet cost?
Installed carpet typically runs about $2–$8 per square foot all-in — that's the carpet itself ($1–$5/sq ft), plus padding and labor. For a 12 × 15 ft room (180 sq ft), expect roughly $400–$1,400 installed, depending on the carpet grade and your area.
Cost breakdown
The cost of carpet per square foot is about $1–$5 for the carpet alone, or roughly $2–$8 installed once you add padding and labor. Carpet is often quoted per square yard (1 sq yd = 9 sq ft); here it's broken down per square foot for clarity (US estimates):
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Builder-grade carpet | $1–$2 / sq ft |
| Mid-range carpet | $2–$4 / sq ft |
| High-end / wool | $5+ / sq ft |
| Padding | $0.30–$0.60 / sq ft |
| Installation | $0.50–$1.50 / sq ft |
Cost by room
Using the $2–$8 / sq ft installed range, here's what common spaces tend to run:
| Space | Approx. area | Installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | ~120 sq ft | $250–$1,000 |
| Living room | ~300 sq ft | $600–$2,400 |
| Staircase | ~13 steps | $200–$500 |
| Whole house | 1,500–2,500 sq ft | $3,000–$20,000 |
Scaling up, 800 sq ft of carpet costs roughly $1,600–$6,400 installed — handy for a large basement or several rooms done at once. The carpet grade you choose is still the biggest swing in the total.
Cost by carpet type
Fiber is the biggest lever on price and durability (carpet only, before padding and labor):
| Fiber | Carpet / sq ft | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Olefin (polypropylene) | $1–$3 | Budget, basements, low traffic |
| Polyester (PET) | $1–$3 | Soft, stain-resistant, bedrooms |
| Nylon | $2–$5 | Durable, high-traffic areas |
| Wool | $5–$12+ | Premium, natural, long-lasting |
Estimate your room in seconds
Use our free carpet cost calculator to get the square feet and square yards you need (with waste), then multiply by the costs above for an instant price.
Open the Carpet Cost CalculatorWhat changes the price
- Carpet type. Fiber (nylon, polyester, wool) and pile style drive most of the price range.
- Padding. Don't skip it — good padding extends carpet life and is sold separately.
- Room shape & stairs. Seams, closets, and stairs add labor and waste.
- Old floor removal. Tear-out and haul-away of old carpet may be extra.
Ways to save
- Move your own furniture before the installers arrive.
- Buy carpet and pad together and ask for an all-in installed price.
- Order the right amount — about 10% waste avoids a second order without overspending. Measure first with our room measuring guide.