Quick Answer: Carpet installation costs $3–$11 per square foot including carpet, padding, and labor. A 300 sq ft living room with mid-range plush carpet costs $1,800–$2,800 total. Carpet material runs $1.50–$8/sq ft, padding adds $0.50–$1.25/sq ft, and labor is $1–$2/sq ft. Stairs add $15–$45 each. Labor rates vary by metro — general construction labor averages $19–$25/hr nationally but ranges from $16/hr in lower-cost areas to $25+/hr in major metros.
Calculate how much it costs to install new carpet. Select your carpet style and quality, enter your floor area and stair count, and get a location-specific estimate with a full cost breakdown.
Carpet Cost by Style and Quality
Installed cost per square foot including carpet, padding, labor, and contractor markup:
| Carpet Style | Basic | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berber (Loop) | $3–$5/sq ft | $5–$7/sq ft | $7–$9/sq ft |
| Plush (Saxony) | $4–$6/sq ft | $6–$8/sq ft | $8–$11/sq ft |
| Frieze (Twist) | $4–$6/sq ft | $6–$9/sq ft | $9–$12/sq ft |
| Pattern (Cut-Loop) | $5–$7/sq ft | $7–$10/sq ft | $11–$14/sq ft |
How to Estimate Carpet Installation Cost
The total installed cost includes four components:
- Carpet material: Area × carpet cost per sq ft. Ranges from $1.50/sq ft for basic berber to $8/sq ft for premium patterned.
- Padding: Area × $0.50–$1.25/sq ft depending on quality tier. Higher density padding extends carpet life.
- Labor: Area × 0.06 hr/sq ft × hourly rate × 1.5 burden. Stairs add 0.25 hr each.
- Fixed costs: Old carpet removal ($150), tack strips ($75), and seam tape ($50) = $275 base.
- Contractor markup: 20% of the subtotal for overhead, profit, and warranty.
Carpet Style Guide
- Berber (Loop): Tight, uncut loops create a durable, low-profile surface. Best for high-traffic areas, basements, and offices. Hides dirt well. Can snag from pet claws. Lifespan: 10–15 years.
- Plush (Saxony): Cut pile with a smooth, velvety finish. Soft underfoot — ideal for bedrooms and formal living rooms. Shows footprints and vacuum marks. Not recommended for high-traffic areas. Lifespan: 5–10 years.
- Frieze (Twist): Tightly twisted, long fibers that curl in different directions. Hides footprints and wear better than plush. Good for living rooms, family rooms, and moderate-traffic areas. Lifespan: 10–15 years.
- Pattern (Cut-Loop): Combines cut and looped fibers to create geometric or floral designs. A decorative choice for dining rooms and bedrooms. More expensive due to complex manufacturing. Lifespan: 8–12 years.
Carpet Padding Guide
| Padding Grade | Density | Cost/Sq Ft | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 6 lb rebond | $0.50 | Rentals, basements, low-traffic |
| Mid-Range | 8 lb rebond | $0.75 | Most rooms, good balance |
| Premium | 10 lb memory foam | $1.25 | Bedrooms, luxury installs |
Formula Summary
Carpet Installation Cost Formula: Total is the sum of carpet material, padding, burdened labor, and fixed costs, multiplied by contractor markup.
Total = (A × Mc + A × Mp + (A × 0.06 + S × 0.25) × R × 1.5 + 275) × 1.20
where A = floor area (sq ft), Mc = carpet cost/sq ft, Mp = padding cost/sq ft, S = stair count, R = hourly trade rate, 1.5 = labor burden, 275 = fixed costs, 1.20 = contractor markup.
| Style | Basic $/sq ft | Mid $/sq ft | Premium $/sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berber | $1.50 | $3.00 | $5.00 |
| Plush | $2.00 | $3.50 | $6.00 |
| Frieze | $2.50 | $4.00 | $6.50 |
| Pattern | $3.00 | $5.00 | $8.00 |
Constants: Labor 0.06 hr/sq ft flat + 0.25 hr/stair. Stair material $3/stair. Padding: basic $0.50, mid $0.75, premium $1.25/sq ft. Fixed costs: removal $150 + tack strips $75 + seam tape $50 = $275. Labor burden 1.5×. Contractor markup 20%. Trade: general construction labor (SOC 47-2061). Labor rates from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Construction Laborers Hourly Rates by Metro (BLS OEWS May 2024)
| Metro | 25th %ile | Mean | 75th %ile |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $23.58 | $34.43 | $46.30 |
| Los Angeles | $22.76 | $31.23 | $37.41 |
| Chicago | $23.06 | $34.99 | $49.12 |
| Dallas | $17.57 | $19.90 | $22.44 |
| Houston | $17.37 | $20.13 | $22.26 |
| Washington | $19.07 | $23.15 | $25.56 |
| Philadelphia | $22.15 | $28.19 | $33.54 |
| Miami | $18.18 | $21.69 | $23.42 |
| Atlanta | $17.16 | $20.30 | $23.23 |
| Phoenix | $19.66 | $23.17 | $25.26 |
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Estimates are for planning purposes only. Consult a qualified contractor for critical projects. Actual material requirements may vary based on site conditions, waste, and installation methods.
Pricing last verified: February 2026. Material prices vary by region, season, and supplier. Prices shown are national averages for planning purposes.