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
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 |
Estimate your room in seconds
Use our carpet calculator to get the square feet and square yards you need (with waste), then multiply by the costs above.
Open the Carpet 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.