How to Measure a Room for a Carpet: Tips and Instructions

At GOFLOORIT, we are your local carpet and flooring provider and fitter. When our customers first come into our shop, we discuss their requirements, and one of the things we are often asked to explain is how to measure a room for a carpet. 

Of course, we are able to come out and measure your room for you if you are struggling, but if you're happy to measure it yourself, here are our tips and instructions. 

How to Measure a Room for a Carpet 

Here's our step-by-step guide on how to measure a room for a carpet. 

You Will Need

• Tape measure - steel ones give the highest level of accuracy

• Pen and paper 

• Calculator - optional but helpful

• A helper - for large spaces

Step 1: Clear the Space (If Possible)

It's not essential, but if you are able to clear the room of any large furniture, you'll have access to corners and walls, making for a more precise measurement.

Step 2: Measure the Longest and Widest Points of the Room

Even if your room isn't a perfect rectangle, always start by measuring:

• Length: Measure wall-to-wall along the longest side of the room.

• Width: Measure across the widest part of the room.

Tip: Remember that the doorway makes the room a fraction wider, so if you are measuring a rectangle room, always measure into doorways and recesses. Small alcoves or chimney breasts can affect the amount of carpet needed.

Step 3: Check for Irregular Shapes

If your room is L-shaped or has multiple areas, break it down into smaller rectangles. Measure each section separately and make a quick sketch if needed.

• Measure each section's length and width

• Add a 10cm allowance to each

• Calculate the area (Length × Width) for each section

If you just bring us the measurements, we can do the rest. We work out the best way to cut your carpet and fit it efficiently.

Step 4: Note any Doorways and Stairs 

If the room connects to stairs or landings or has multiple doorways, please take note of these and let us know. Measuring stairs is more complex and is best left to our professional fitters, but it's useful to highlight this when you request a quote.

Step 5: Bring Your Measurements to our Showroom 

Once you've measured your space, bring the details to the shop, and we'll help you choose the right carpet or flooring and provide an accurate quote based on your room size.

We're always happy to send one of our expert fitters out to double-check measurements before placing your order – for peace of mind and a perfect fit.

Tips for Measuring a Room for a Carpet

Here are our final tips on how to measure a room for a carpet:

• Always measure in centimetres (cm) for UK standard sizing.

• Double-check your measurements.

• Measure wall-to-wall at both ends of the room – some walls may look parallel, but they're not. 

• Note the number of doorways so we know how many connecting doorbars will be required. 

• Take note of any fixed furnishes like fireplaces. 

• For complex rooms or multiple spaces, a quick sketch is really helpful – it doesn't need to be perfect! Bringing that sketch along to our showroom when we are quoting your carpet is also a big help to us.

Carpets and Flooring from GOFLOORIT

Measuring your room for a carpet is important as it helps us generate an accurate quote for you. If you need help measuring your room for carpet or flooring, then contact us today. 

Got questions or need help with measuring? Pop into the shop or give us a call – we're always happy to help!