Carpet Calculator
Calculate the carpet you need for a room in square metres or broadloom width (3.66m standard NZ). Includes underlay and wastage.
About this calculator
This calculator implements Consumer NZ carpet sizing guide from Carpet manufacturers (Cavalier Bremworth, Godfrey Hirst). Last consulted 15 November 2025. Verify the figures yourself by following the link.
NZ carpet costs
Indicative 2026 (varies by quality)- •Broadloom width: 3.66 m standard
- •Budget carpet: $50-80/m²
- •Mid-range: $80-150/m²
- •Premium (wool): $200-400/m²
- •Underlay: $15-30/m²
- •Installation: $15-25/m²
- •Waste allowance: 10-20%
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for general information purposes only. Results are based on standard formulas and may not reflect your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
How carpet quantity is calculated
Carpet sold in broadloom (3.66m wide). Calculate strips needed × room length, add 10% waste for cuts.
- 1
Calculate room area
Area = length × width (m²)
Add 5-10% for waste with simple shapes; 15-20% for complex.
- 2
Broadloom strips needed
Strips = ⌈room_width ÷ 3.66⌉
Wider room = more strips = more seams.
- 3
Total cost
Cost = total_m² × (carpet_price + underlay + install)
NZ: carpet $80-200/m², underlay $20/m², install $15-25/m².
Worked example
Inputs: 5m × 4m room, $100/m² carpet + $20 underlay + $15 install
Result: Area 20m² + 10% waste = 22m² × $135 = $2,970.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to carpet a house in NZ?
What is broadloom and why does it matter?
Should I choose wool or synthetic carpet for NZ homes?
How important is carpet underlay and what types are available?
A carpet calculator works out how many square metres of carpet you need and the cost of underlay, installation, and uplift of old carpet. Standard NZ broadloom carpet is 3.66m wide.
How this calculator works
Enter the room dimensions, carpet $/m², and underlay $/m². The calculator adds wastage (typically 10–15%), then totals carpet + underlay + installation. Because NZ broadloom comes on a 3.66 m roll, you buy carpet in full-width strips: a room wider than 3.66 m needs a join and often more length than the raw area suggests, which is where the wastage allowance goes. Budget a further $3-5/m² if the installer must uplift and dispose of old carpet. On fibre choice, solution-dyed nylon resists fading and stains best for rentals and hallways, while wool remains the premium look for living areas — and check whether quotes are supply-only or supply-and-install before comparing.
NZ Carpet Costs (2026)
| Budget synthetic | $35–$60 per m² |
| Mid-range wool blend | $80–$120 per m² |
| Premium wool | $150–$250+ per m² |
| Standard underlay | $15–$25 per m² |
| Installation | $10–$20 per m² |
| Broadloom width | 3.66m standard |
Worked Examples
Living room 5m × 4m, mid-range wool blend at $100/m² supply + install
Approx total: $2,750 (incl underlay & install)
- Area: 5 × 4 = 20 m²
- Plus 10% wastage: 22 m²
- Carpet: 22 × $100 = $2,200
- Underlay: 22 × $20 = $440
- Installation: 22 × $15 = $330
- Subtotal: $2,970
Bedroom 4m × 3m, budget synthetic at $50/m²
Approx total: $1,245 including underlay and install
- Broadloom is 3.66m wide → buy a 3.66m × 4m strip = 14.6 m²
- Carpet: 14.6 × $50 = $732
- Underlay: 14.6 × $20 = $293
- Installation: 14.6 × $15 = $220
- Total: ≈ $1,245 — note you pay for roll width, not raw room area
Built and maintained by Konstantin Iakovlev. Data sourced from the IRD and official New Zealand government sources.
Last reviewed: