Carpet cost is two things added together: the carpet itself and the work to put it down. This guide uses published ranges from HGTV (updated October 1, 2025) and shows how to turn them into an estimate for your own room.
Updated November 2026
Published price ranges
| Item | Cost per sq ft |
|---|---|
| Synthetic carpet (nylon, polyester, olefin, Triexta) | $0.50 to $9 |
| Natural fiber carpet (sisal, wool) | $3 to $21 |
| Professional installation labor | $0.50 to $1.50 |
| Removing old carpet | up to $1.60 |
| Typical total for new installed carpet | $2 to $9 |
HGTV also lists furniture moving at $25 to $75 per room and gives a padding range of $80 to $960 for a 320 sq ft room.
Worked example: a 320 sq ft room
HGTV works a 16 x 20 ft room at 320 sq ft. At the $2 to $9 installed range, the carpet job is $640 to $2,880. If you also remove old carpet at up to $1.60 a sq ft ($512) and pay $75 to move furniture, the top end rises to $3,467. In Excel: =320*2 and =320*9+320*1.6+75.
How to estimate your room
- Measure length and width in feet and multiply for the area: a 12 x 15 ft room is 180 sq ft.
- Choose a carpet price per sq ft from the range that matches the quality you want.
- Add labor per sq ft, removal if needed, padding and furniture moving.
- Ask the installer how much extra material they order for waste and seams, and add it.
What moves the price
- Fiber type: natural fibers cost more than synthetics.
- Pad: a thicker or higher-grade pad costs more.
- Room shape: stairs and odd layouts need more cutting.
- Old flooring: removal and floor repair add cost.
Put it in a quote
Use a spreadsheet with a line for carpet, pad, labor, removal and moving. Our free job estimate template adds markup and a deposit, and the cleaning estimate calculator helps with after-job cleanup.
Prices change by city, season and contractor. Treat every figure here as a starting point and get at least two written quotes.
Frequently asked questions
How much does carpet installation cost per square foot?
HGTV gives $0.50 to $1.50 per sq ft for professional installation labor and $2 to $9 per sq ft for new carpet installed overall.
How much does it cost to carpet a 320 sq ft room?
At HGTV’s installed range of $2 to $9 per sq ft, $640 to $2,880 before extras.
Is padding included?
HGTV lists padding separately, so ask whether a quote includes it.
Is the price different where I live?
Yes. Local labor and material costs vary, so get written quotes.