What Size Rug Do I Need? Standard Sizes for Every Room
The right rug leaves a border of bare floor all round it. A room 14 × 12 ft with 18 in of border has room for a rug of 11 × 9 ft, so the largest standard size is 8 × 10 ft. The rug size calculator finds it for your room.
Part of the project planner: Planning new floors and tile.
The largest standard rug for common rooms
With 18 inches of bare floor round the rug.
| Room | Ideal rug | Largest standard rug |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 7.0 × 7.0 ft | None fits |
| 10 × 12 ft | 7.0 × 9.0 ft | 6 × 9 ft |
| 12 × 12 ft | 9.0 × 9.0 ft | 6 × 9 ft |
| 12 × 14 ft | 9.0 × 11.0 ft | 8 × 10 ft |
| 14 × 16 ft | 11.0 × 13.0 ft | 9 × 12 ft |
| 15 × 20 ft | 12.0 × 17.0 ft | 12 × 15 ft |
| 18 × 20 ft | 15.0 × 17.0 ft | 12 × 15 ft |
How the border changes the size
For a room of 14 × 12 ft:
| Border | Ideal rug | Largest standard rug |
|---|---|---|
| 12 in | 10.0 × 12.0 ft | 9 × 12 ft |
| 18 in | 9.0 × 11.0 ft | 8 × 10 ft |
| 24 in | 8.0 × 10.0 ft | 8 × 10 ft |
Where the rug goes
- Living room. At least the front legs of the sofa and the chairs on the rug.
- Dining room. The rug should reach 24 inches past the table on every side, so the chairs stay on it when pulled out.
- Bedroom. A rug under the bed that shows about 24 inches on each side and at the foot.
Before you buy
- Mark the rug on the floor with painter's tape and look at it for a day.
- Between two sizes, the larger usually looks better.
- Buy a rug pad one or two inches smaller than the rug.
See also the carpet calculator and the flooring calculator. Rug sizes vary a little by maker.
Frequently asked questions
What size rug do I need for my room?
Take the room less 12 to 24 inches on each side. For 14 × 12 ft and 18 in, the ideal is 11 × 9 ft, so an 8 × 10 ft rug.
How much floor should show around a rug?
About 12 to 24 inches. Eighteen inches is the usual figure.
Is 8×10 big enough for a living room?
In many rooms, yes: about 11 × 14 ft up to 14 × 18 ft. A larger room or a sectional may need 9 × 12 ft.
Should the sofa be on the rug?
At least the front legs of the sofa and the chairs, so the seating looks tied together.
What are the standard rug sizes?
5 × 8, 6 × 9, 8 × 10, 9 × 12, 10 × 14 and 12 × 15 ft, with round, runner and custom sizes besides.
More guides
Tools & materials for this project
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Estimates only. Quantities depend on your materials, site and supplier. Confirm important numbers before you order, and follow local building codes for anything structural.