Rug Size Calculator: Find the Perfect Rug Size
Buying a rug that's too small is one of the most common decorating mistakes — it makes the whole room look off-balance. But rug sizes aren't intuitive, and "eyeballing it" at the store rarely works out.
This free calculator does the math for you. Enter your room's length and width, pick the room type, and we'll recommend the standard rug sizes that will actually fit — snapped to the sizes you'll find on Amazon, like 8×10 and 9×12. Below your result, you'll find hand-picked rugs in your recommended size.
What Size Rug Do You Need?
Enter your room dimensions and we will recommend the right rug size.
Your recommended rug size
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Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular rug size for a living room?
The 8×10 rug is the most popular living room size by far — it fits comfortably under a standard sofa and coffee table arrangement while leaving enough bare floor around the edges. For smaller living rooms, 5×8 works; for large open-plan spaces, step up to 9×12.
How much floor should show around a rug?
Aim for about 18 inches of bare floor between the rug's edge and the wall in living rooms and bedrooms. This frames the rug nicely and keeps the room from looking wall-to-wall carpeted. In dining rooms the rule flips: the rug should extend at least 24 inches beyond the table on all sides so chairs stay on it.
Should a rug go under the sofa?
Yes — at minimum, the front legs of the sofa should sit on the rug. In larger rooms, all furniture legs on the rug looks best and pulls the seating area together.
What size rug do I need for a dining table?
Measure your table, then add about 48 inches to both length and width (24 inches per side) so chairs remain on the rug when pulled out. For a standard 3×5 ft table, that means an 8×10 rug.
Are washable rugs worth it?
For dining rooms, entryways, and homes with kids or pets — absolutely. Modern washable rugs look like regular rugs but go straight in the washing machine.