Rug Size Calculator

Please fill in the required fields with values greater than 0.
–largest rug that fits (ft)
–best standard size
–gap around the rug (ft)
–rug area (sq ft)

Standard sizes: 5×8, 6×9, 8×10, 9×12, 10×14, 12×15 and 12×18 ft. For furniture, leave at least the front legs on the rug.

How to use this calculator

Enter the room length and width and the gap you want between the rug and the walls. The calculator shows the largest rug that fits and the best standard rug size.

The formula

Largest rug = room length − 2 × gap and room width − 2 × gap
The best standard size is the largest rug that fits inside this space.

Example: A 14 ft × 12 ft room with an 18 in gap fits a rug up to 11 ft × 9 ft. The best standard size is 8 × 10 ft, which leaves a gap of 2 ft on every side.

How to pick the right rug size for your room

The rug size calculator finds the largest rug that fits your room while leaving an even border of bare floor. The largest rug result is a limit, not a target. The best standard size is the biggest common rug that fits inside that limit. Leaving a border frames the rug and keeps the room from feeling crowded.

What changes the result

  • Room size. Measure wall to wall at floor level, not around furniture.
  • Border width. A 24 inch gap gives a smaller rug and more visible floor. A 12 inch gap gives a larger rug.
  • Furniture layout. The rug often defines a seating or dining zone rather than the whole room.

Two examples

A 14 by 12 foot room with an 18 inch gap has space for a rug up to 11 by 9 feet. A 9 by 12 foot rug is too long for that space, but an 8 by 10 foot rug fits with room to spare.

A 15 by 12 foot room with a 24 inch gap leaves 11 by 8 feet. An 8 by 10 foot rug still fits, but the border along the long walls is tighter than in the first example.

Tips and common mistakes

  • Do not buy a rug that is too small. A common mistake is a small rug floating in the middle of a seating area.
  • Mark the size with painter’s tape on the floor before you buy. It shows how the rug will sit with your furniture.
  • Check door swing. A thick rug can block a door that opens into the room.
  • In open rooms, size each rug to its zone, such as the sofa group or the dining table.

Buying advice

Larger rugs cost a lot more than smaller ones, so decide where size matters most. If the ideal size is too costly, a natural fiber rug such as jute in a larger size can be a cheaper base, with a smaller rug layered on top. Always use a rug pad. It keeps the rug from slipping and protects the floor. Choose a pad about 1 inch smaller than the rug on each side so it does not show.

Frequently asked questions

What size rug do I need for a living room?
Most living rooms suit an 8 x 10 ft or 9 x 12 ft rug, leaving 12 to 24 inches of bare floor around the edges.
What size rug goes under a bed?
Use a 5 x 8 ft rug for a twin or full bed, an 8 x 10 ft rug for a queen and a 9 x 12 ft rug for a king.
How big should a dining room rug be?
The rug should extend at least 24 inches past the table on every side so chairs stay on the rug when pulled out.
Should furniture sit on the rug?
At minimum the front legs of sofas and chairs should rest on the rug. Having all the legs on it looks best in large rooms.
How much floor should show around a rug?
Between 12 and 24 inches is a common guide for most rooms.
What are the standard rug sizes?
Common US rug sizes are 2 x 3, 3 x 5, 4 x 6, 5 x 8, 6 x 9, 8 x 10, 9 x 12 and 10 x 14 feet. Runners often come in 2.5 feet wide by 8, 10 or 12 feet long. Round rugs are commonly sold in 6, 8 and 10 foot diameters.
What size rug should go in a hallway?
A hallway runner should leave about 4 to 6 inches of floor showing on each side. The runner usually stops several inches short of each end of the hall. Measure the hall width and length, then subtract those borders to find the runner size to shop for.
Is it better to have a rug that is too big or too small?
In most rooms, slightly too big looks better than too small. A larger rug ties furniture together and makes the space feel bigger. A rug that is too small can look like an afterthought. The main limit is keeping some floor visible around the edges, which the calculator handles.