Carpet & Fitting Calculator
Calculate linear metres, area, and accessories for a professional UK finish.
Estimation Summary
Fitting Note: Most UK carpets are sold in 4m or 5m widths. If your room is 4.1m wide, you should buy a 5m roll to avoid a join.
UK Carpet Buying Guide: Rolls, Joins & Underlay
Calculating the Area
Carpet is typically sold in the UK by the square metre, but it is cut from rolls of a fixed width (usually 4m or 5m). This means you often have to buy more carpet than the exact area of your room to ensure a seamless fit.
When measuring, always measure to the furthest point in the room, including the doorway (as the carpet needs to finish under the door bar).
Standard UK Roll Specs
The Secret to Comfort: Underlay
A high-quality underlay can make a cheap carpet feel expensive, and an expensive carpet last twice as long. In the UK, underlay is usually measured in tog ratings for warmth and thickness (mm) for comfort.
If you have underfloor heating, you must choose a low-tog underlay that allows the heat to pass through efficiently.
Gripper Rods
Grippers are thin strips of wood with sharp pins that hold the carpet in tension. They are fitted around the edge of the room (but not across the doorway).
Door Bars (Thresholds)
Don't forget the door bars. These join the carpet to the flooring in the next room. There are different types: 'Z-bars' for carpet-to-hard-floor and 'Dual-bars' for carpet-to-carpet.
Pro Tip: Pile Direction
Always ensure the carpet pile runs in the same direction, especially if you have to join two pieces. If the pile is reversed, the two pieces will look like completely different colours due to how the light reflects off the fibres.
Carpet Fitting FAQ
Ordering Disclaimer
Professional carpet fitters usually require a minimum of 10cm extra on every side of the room to allow for trimming. If your room is 4.0m wide, a 4.0m roll might be too tight; consult your fitter before purchasing.