Rug Size Calculator

Enter your room size and how much bare floor you want to see around the rug. The calculator finds the largest rug that keeps that gap and lists the standard sizes that fit. It shows sizes in feet with a centimetre equivalent.

How to use the rug size calculator

Measure the room from wall to wall. Choose the gap you want between the rug and the walls. Many people start with roughly 12 to 18 inches, which is a common rule of thumb, not a rule. A smaller gap makes the room feel fuller, and a larger one frames the rug.

How the sizes are chosen

The maximum rug is the room length minus two gaps by the room width minus two gaps. The calculator then checks that against a list of standard sizes: 2×3, 3×5, 4×6, 5×7, 5×8, 6×9, 8×10, 9×12, 10×14 and 12×15 feet. A rug can be turned either way, so 9×12 fits a space of 12×9.

Worked example

A 15 ft by 12 ft living room with an 18 inch gap allows a rug of up to 12 ft by 9 ft. The largest standard size that fits is 9 × 12 ft. An 8 × 10 ft rug also fits, with more bare floor showing.

Matching the rug to your furniture

The room size is only half of it. In a living room, at least the front legs of the sofa and chairs should rest on the rug so the group looks connected. If the biggest size feels too large for your layout, choose one size down and check that the sofa and chairs still sit on it.

Read rug sizes for living room for how to place rugs in different layouts.

Frequently asked questions

What if no standard size fits?

The calculator will say so. Reduce the gap, or look for a custom size or a runner.

Does this work for bedrooms and dining rooms?

The room check does. Bedroom and dining rugs also need to extend past the furniture, so measure that area too.

Should I measure the whole room or only the seating area?

You can do either. Enter only the seating area as the room to size a rug for just that group.

Related guides

Start with rug sizes for living room. If you are not sure of the room’s area, use the square footage calculator.