How the rug size calculator works
A common guideline is to leave about 12 to 18 in of bare floor between the rug and the walls. The planner subtracts that border from both sides of each dimension, then picks the largest common US rug size that fits, oriented along the room’s longer side.
If the result feels small, reduce the border or try the next size up shown in the results. In a living room, a common alternative is a rug large enough for at least the front legs of the furniture to rest on it.
Formula and assumptions
- border
- floor left showing on each side
- standard sizes
- 5 × 8, 6 × 9, 8 × 10, 9 × 12, 10 × 14, 12 × 15 ft and smaller
Assumptions and limits
- Uses common US rug sizes; exact dimensions vary slightly by maker.
- The rug is centered in the room; furniture layout may call for offsetting it.
Worked example
A 14 × 12 ft living room with an 18 in border.
- Border on both sides: 2 × 18 in = 3 ft.
- Space for the rug: 11 × 9 ft.
- 9 × 12 is too long; 8 × 10 fits.
- An 8 × 10 rug leaves 24 in on the long sides and 24 in at the ends.
These are the calculator’s default values, so the live result above matches this example until you change an input.
How to measure correctly
- Measure the floor area you want the rug to anchor, not just the room, in open-plan spaces.
- Note door swings and floor vents the rug must clear.
- For a dining room, measure the table and add room to pull chairs out.
- Use painter’s tape on the floor to preview the size before buying.
Common rug sizes
| Rug | Area | Smallest room for an 18 in border |
|---|---|---|
| 5 × 7 ft | 35 sq ft | 8 × 10 ft |
| 5 × 8 ft | 40 sq ft | 8 × 11 ft |
| 6 × 9 ft | 54 sq ft | 9 × 12 ft |
| 8 × 10 ft | 80 sq ft | 11 × 13 ft |
| 9 × 12 ft | 108 sq ft | 12 × 15 ft |
| 10 × 14 ft | 140 sq ft | 13 × 17 ft |
| 12 × 15 ft | 180 sq ft | 15 × 18 ft |
Rug Size Calculator FAQ
What size rug should I get for my living room?
Leave roughly 12 to 18 in of floor around the rug, or choose a rug big enough for the front legs of the sofa and chairs to sit on it. In a 14 × 12 ft room with an 18 in border, that is an 8 × 10 rug.
How much floor should show around a rug?
Home Depot’s rug sizing guidance suggests about 12 to 18 in between the rug and the walls. Smaller rooms can go narrower.
What size rug goes under a queen or king bed?
Many people use an 8 × 10 under a queen and a 9 × 12 under a king so the rug extends beyond the sides of the bed. Measure your bed and nightstands to confirm.
What size rug for a dining table?
Size the rug so chairs stay on it when pulled out, which usually means adding about 2 ft beyond the table on each side.
Is a bigger rug always better?
A rug that is too small can make a room feel disjointed, so when in doubt, size up. Keep the floor border even on all sides for balance.
Can I get a custom size?
Yes. The largest-fit dimensions in the results show exactly how much space you have for a custom or bound broadloom rug.