About the Rug Size Calculator
This tool applies the standard interior-design rule for sizing an area rug: leave a consistent border of bare floor visible between the rug's edge and the walls. Enter your room's length and width, plus the border you want to show on every side, and the calculator subtracts that border from each dimension to recommend a rug length, width, and area — plus the closest size actually sold at retail.
The formula
For a room with length L and width W, and a desired floor border B (converted from inches to feet), the recommended rug dimensions are:
- Rug length = L − 2 × B
- Rug width = W − 2 × B
- Rug area = Rug length × Rug width
The border is subtracted twice from each dimension because it applies on both opposite sides of the room. For example, a 14 × 11 ft room with a 15 in (1.25 ft) border gives a rug of about 11.5 × 8.5 ft, or roughly 97.75 sq ft.
Typical border ranges by room
- Living room: 12-18 in of visible floor on each side is the standard guideline, so at least the front legs of major furniture sit on the rug.
- Bedroom: 18-24 in is common, often with the rug extending under the bed and a foot or two past the sides and foot.
- Dining room: the convention is different — measure 24-30 in beyond the edge of the table itself (not the room walls) so chairs remain on the rug even when pulled back from the table.
- Hallway or entry: narrower borders of 4-8 in are typical, since runners are sized to fit a constrained walkway.
Rounding to a standard size
Area rugs are manufactured in a limited set of sizes — commonly 3x5, 4x6, 5x7 or 5x8, 6x9, 8x10, 9x12, and 10x14 ft. The calculated rug dimensions rarely match one of these exactly, so the calculator also reports the closest standard size (checking both orientations) as a practical shopping target.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much floor border should show around a rug?
How is the recommended rug size calculated?
Should I round up or down to a standard rug size?
Common Tip Percentages
| Service | Typical Tip Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (sit-down) | 15–20% | 20%+ for exceptional service |
| Food delivery | 10–20% | Consider extra for long distances |
| Taxi / rideshare | 10–20% | More for assistance with luggage |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–5/night | Leave daily, not just at checkout |
| Barber / hair salon | 15–20% | On pre-discount total |
| Pizza delivery | 10–15% or $3–5 minimum | Higher in bad weather |
General Household Budget Ratios (50/30/20 Rule)
| Category | % of Net Income | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Needs | 50% | Rent, groceries, utilities, insurance |
| Wants | 30% | Dining out, entertainment, hobbies |
| Savings / Debt | 20% | Emergency fund, retirement, extra payments |
Common Measurement Conversions for Everyday Use
| Quantity | US / Imperial | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 8 fl oz | 237 mL |
| 1 pint | 16 fl oz | 473 mL |
| 1 quart | 32 fl oz | 946 mL |
| 1 gallon | 128 fl oz | 3.785 L |
| 1 lb | 16 oz | 453.6 g |
| 1 ft | 12 in | 30.48 cm |