This carpet cost and installation FAQ answers the most common 2026 questions on installed pricing, labor, padding, insurance replacement and metric conversions.
Enter your room size below to estimate carpet, padding and professional installation cost. The worked example beneath the form is produced by the same calculation the tool runs.
Inputs: 12 × 15 ft living room (180 sq ft), standard nylon, professional install. Midwest labor rates, 10% waste, standard 6–8 lb rebond pad.
Total estimated cost: $865 – $1,390 (typical mid-point $1,128). Labor and disposal use the Midwest rate; enter a ZIP code in the tool to switch regions. You can download this breakdown as a PDF from the live tool.
| Step | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1. Raw floor area | 180 sq ft (20.0 sq yd) |
| 2. Add 10% waste factor | 199 sq ft ordered |
| 3. Carpet material | $594 – $990 |
| 4. Padding | $129 – $168 |
| 5. Installation labor | $143 – $232 |
Carpet costs $3.50-$11.00 per square foot installed in 2026 across the US — including carpet, padding, and professional labor.
$4,200-$16,200 installed for 1,200-1,800 sq ft of carpeted area, depending on tier and stair count.
Lowe's is typically 5-10% cheaper on labor; Home Depot wins on warranty (lifetime install on LifeProof carpet).
Yes — standard installed pricing includes 6-8 lb residential rebond pad ($0.30-$0.80/sq ft). Premium memory-foam pad is a $0.50-$1.20/sq ft upgrade.
After buying qualifying carpet ($300-$700 minimum), pad ($0.30-$0.80/sq ft), and any stair upcharges ($5-$15/step), the real total averages $1,200-$3,500 for a typical install.