Rug size calculator
A rug looks right when a strip of floor shows around it. Subtract that border from each side of the room and you have the ideal size to compare with standard rugs.
Your measurements
Result
- Recommended rug length
- 3.20 m
- Recommended rug width
- 2.20 m
- Rug area
- 7.04 m²
A 30–50 cm border of floor around the rug gives a balanced look.
How the calculation works
- Rug length = room length − 2 × border.
- Rug width = room width − 2 × border.
- Area = rug length × rug width.
Worked example
In a 4 × 3 m room with 40 cm of floor showing on each side, the ideal rug is 3.2 × 2.2 m (7.04 m²). The nearest standard size is 200 × 300 cm.
What the calculator assumes
- A 30–50 cm border of floor around the rug gives a balanced look.
- Common standard sizes are 120 × 170, 160 × 230, 200 × 290 (or 200 × 300) and 240 × 340 cm.
When to adjust the result
- In a living room the front legs of the sofa and armchairs usually sit on the rug; in a bedroom the rug extends 50–60 cm beyond the bed.
- Doors that open over the rug need clearance — check its thickness.
Choosing a rug that fits the room
A rug that is too small is the most common mistake: it makes furniture look as if it is floating. In a living room, at least the front legs of the sofa and chairs should sit on the rug; under a dining table, the rug should extend 60–70 cm beyond the table edge so chairs stay on it when pulled out.
Leave a border of bare floor around the rug — about 30–60 cm in most rooms — so it does not look like wall-to-wall carpet. In bedrooms, a rug under the lower two thirds of the bed with 50–60 cm showing on each side gives a soft step out of bed.
Frequently asked questions
What size rug for a living room?
Big enough that at least the front legs of the seating rest on it — often 200 × 300 cm or larger.
How much floor should show around a rug?
About 30–50 cm on each side.
What size rug under a dining table?
Table size plus about 60–70 cm on every side, so chair legs stay on the rug when someone sits down.
Do I need an underlay for a rug?
A non-slip underlay stops rugs sliding on hard floors, protects the floor finish and makes thin rugs feel softer.