Carpet Installation Cost Calculator
Carpet is priced per square foot installed, including pad. Enter the area and choose a quality level to estimate.
Most homeowners pay $2,000 to $3,500 for 500 sq ft, mid-grade.
Your estimate
- Materials and labor
- Add-ons
National installed prices, materials and labor included. Your local quotes may differ.
Carpet installation cost by option
Installed totals (based on 500 sq ft), with standard conditions included.
| Option | Typical total |
|---|---|
| Budget | $1,500 to $2,500 |
| Mid-grade | $2,000 to $3,500 |
| Premium or wool | $3,500 to $6,000 |
Installed price per unit
| Option | Installed price |
|---|---|
| Budget | $3.00 to $5.00 per sq ft |
| Mid-grade | $4.00 to $7.00 per sq ft |
| Premium or wool | $7.00 to $12.00 per sq ft |
What drives the price
- Carpet qualityFiber type, density and face weight drive the price.
- PadA better pad makes carpet feel softer and last longer.
- StairsStairs take far more labor per square foot than open rooms.
- Seams and layoutRooms wider than a standard roll need seams, which affects waste.
How this estimate works
The calculator multiplies your floor area by the installed price range for the option you pick, then adds any extras you tick. The headline number is the midpoint of your range. Low-end prices fit simple jobs in lower-cost areas. High-end prices fit complex jobs, premium brands and high-cost metros.
Get at least three written quotes before you hire. Ask each contractor to list materials, labor, permits and disposal separately so you can compare them line by line. Read how we build our ranges.
Common questions
How long does carpet installation take?
Most homes can be carpeted in a day or two.
How long does carpet last?
It varies with quality and traffic. Better carpet and pad last longer.
How is carpet measured?
Installers measure each room and add waste for seams and pattern matching.
Sources and method
Price ranges are national installed estimates maintained by the HouseMath editorial team and last reviewed September 2026. For the labor side of the job, see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data for carpet installers (SOC 47-2041), which shows how trade wages differ by state.