Getting new carpet fitted is exciting. But before you pick up the phone to book, there is one important job to do first: measure your rooms. Giving your carpet fitter accurate measurements means you get a more accurate quote, less waste, and fewer surprises on fitting day.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly how to do it, even if you have never measured a room before.
Why Measuring Matters
When you contact carpet fitters in Kent, they will need to know the size of each room before they can give you a price. If your measurements are wrong, you could end up ordering too much carpet (wasting money) or too little (causing delays). Getting it right the first time saves everyone time and keeps costs down.
What You Will Need
- A steel tape measure (at least 5 metres)
- A pen or pencil
- A piece of paper or notepad
- A basic calculator (optional)
Step 1: Sketch the Room First
Before you start measuring, draw a rough outline of each room on paper. It does not need to be neat or to scale. The sketch gives you somewhere to write down each measurement as you go. Include any alcoves, bay windows, or recesses in your sketch.
Step 2: Measure the Length and Width
For a standard rectangular room:
- Measure the longest wall from one end to the other.
- Measure the opposite wall (walls are not always perfectly parallel, so both measurements can be useful).
- Do the same for the width.
- Write each measurement on your sketch.
Always measure in centimetres or metres. Most carpet fitters in the UK work in metres.
Step 3: Account for Doorways and Alcoves
This is where many people make mistakes. You need to measure into doorways, not just up to them. The carpet runs under the door and into the frame, so leave room for this in your measurements.
For alcoves, measure each section separately: the main room width, then the width and depth of the alcove as separate figures. Add them together when you have finished.
Common Room Shapes and How to Measure Them
Room Type |
How to Measure |
|---|---|
Rectangle |
Length x Width |
L-shaped room |
Split into two rectangles, measure each separately, then add together |
Room with alcoves |
Measure main area, then each alcove separately |
Bay window |
Measure the bay as a separate rectangle and add to the main room |
Room with a chimney breast |
Measure the full wall width, the fitter will account for the recess |
Step 4: Measuring Stairs
Stairs are trickier than rooms, so take your time. Measure each section individually:
- The landing: Measure it like a room (length x width), making sure to include the top step in the measurement.
- The straight stairs: Measure the width of the stairs. Then measure one step from the back of the tread, up over the nose, and down the riser to the next tread. Multiply this by the number of steps.
- Winders (curved or angled stairs): Measure each one separately at its widest point.
If you are unsure, our free measuring guide walks you through the process in detail, including diagrams for stairs.
Step 5: Add Your Measurements Together
Once you have all your measurements, add up the total area for each room. For example:
- Room A: 4m x 3.5m = 14 square metres
- Room B: 5m x 4m = 20 square metres
- Total: 34 square metres
Write these totals clearly on your notes so they are easy to share when you call for a quote.
Do Not Forget Underlay
Underlay goes down before the carpet and is measured the same way as the carpet itself. It covers the full floor area, right up to the walls. Make sure to mention underlay when you request a quote, as it affects the overall cost.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Measuring in the wrong units – always use metres or centimetres, not feet and inches, unless your fitter asks for them.
- Forgetting doorways – always measure into the doorway opening.
- Measuring only one wall per direction – walls can be out of square, so measure both sides.
- Not measuring alcoves separately – these add up quickly and can be missed easily.
- Guessing stair widths – stairs taper slightly on winders, so always measure at the widest point.
Know Your Rights When Hiring a Fitter
When you pay for any home improvement service, you are protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015. This means the work must be carried out with reasonable care and skill, and for the price agreed. The Citizens Advice guide to problems with home improvements explains what to do if something goes wrong and how to raise a complaint.
