Rug Size Guides
Rug pads are the secret to loving your new area rug. They prevent scratches on hard floors, extend the durability of your rugs, and add a layer of padding and insulation. But it's not as simple as getting the thickest rug pad you can find and matching your rug pad size to your rug. The size and thickness of your rug will factor into choosing the size and thickness of your rug pad. And we're here to help you figure it out – this guide covers everything you need to know about how to find the right rug pad size and thickness.
The first question that most people ask is, "Should the rug pad be the same size as the rug?" You might assume that it should, but rug pads should be about one inch smaller than your rug on all sides. If your rug has a fringe or tassel finish, do not include it in your measurements.
For example, the right carpet pad size for a 9' x 11' area rug would be 8'10" x 11'10". By purchasing a rug pad that's slightly smaller than your area rug, you'll ensure that the edges of the pad taper to the floor, preventing tripping hazards and premature wear on your rug. Plus, rug pads are meant to remain hidden, and this sizing keeps them that way. The size and construction of your rug will also help you choose the ideal thickness. For example, rug pads vary from 1/16" to 1/2" thick.
Thick pads help protect your floors from heavy furniture, and they can soundproof your space (helpful if you have downstairs neighbors). They're ideal for more oversized rugs with a thick pile, such as Persian or oriental rugs. However, it would be best not to use thick pads with thin or flatweave rugs, medium and small rugs, and high-traffic zones.
For a thick rug, consider something between 1/4" and 1/2".
If you're deciding what size rug pad to use for a runner, you'd likely want something around 1/16" to 1/8".
Thin pads often come with a non-slip back, so they're ideal for lighter and thinner area rugs. They also prevent tripping in high-traffic zones and reduce the risk of edge curling in spaces where a door opens over the rug. However, thin pads are not ideal for thick, plush rugs with wide surface areas.
So, if you're trying to decide what size rug pad to use for a very thin rug, consider something under 1/4".
At Rugs Direct, we've taken the guessing game out of the equation by building a quick list of what size rug pad will best suit you. Take a glance at the following:
The best size rug pad for a 4' x 6' rug would be 3'10" x 5'10" with a thickness of up to 1/8".
For a 3' x 5' rug, you'd choose a pad that's 2'10" x 4'10" with the same thickness.
If either size is in front of a door or a high-traffic zone, a 1/16" non-slip rug pad will work well.
A 5' x 8' area rug would work best with a 4'10" x 7'10" rug pad with a thickness of up to 1/4".
For a 5' x 7' rug, the right rug pad would be 4'10" x 6'10" with the same thickness.
If you're trying to decide what size rug pad to use for a 6' x 9' rug, opt for a 5'10" x 8'10" size.
And you'd choose a 6'10" x 9'10" rug pad for a 7' x 10' rug.
For either rug size, a thickness of around 1/3" is suitable unless the rug is thin or flatweave, in which case 1/4" or less would be ideal.
Are you wondering what size pad to use for a 7' x 10' area rug? Opt for a 7'10" x 9'10" rug pad with up to 7/16" thickness.
For a 7' x 10' rug, use a 6'10" x 9'10" rug pad with up to 7/16" thickness.
However, if the rug is thin or flatweave, a thickness of 1/4" or less will work better for both sizes.
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Some stores will cut your rug pad to the correct size for your area rug. We recommend checking with your local rug dealer for professional cutting services.
If this isn't available, you can also cut your pad to size with a pair of heavy-duty household scissors. Make sure you measure and mark your ideal dimensions before cutting any carpet pad to size for an area rug to avoid mistakes.
A 9' x 12' area rug would work best with an 8'10" x 11'10" rug pad with up to 1/2" thickness.
If the rug is thin or flatweave, stick with 1/4" thickness or less.
For a 10' x 14' area rug, your ideal rug pad size will be 9'10" x 13'10", with up to 1/2" thickness.
For a 10' x 13', you'll want a 9'10" x 12'10" rug pad with up to 1/2" thickness.
Again, large and flatweave rugs will work better with 1/4" thick pads.
For a 12' x 15' area rug, your ideal rug pad size will be 11'10" x 14'10".
For a 11' x 15', the rug pad should be 10'10" x 14'10".
Both sizes are considered quite large and would work well with 1/2" thickness if the pile is heavy – for flatweave and thin rugs, you may still want a pad that's 1/4" or less.
Rug pads come in different materials, and the most popular ones are made from felt and rubber. Felt paired with rubber helps prevent sliding, and 100% felt is best for large, heavy rugs.
You'll also hear the term "rug gripper," which can refer to a few things: gripper tape used to hold your rug in place, adhesive corner "anchors," or thin webbed rubber mats. Tape and adhesive products don't last long, but they're not cheap. And thin, webbed rubber mats lack the durability of felt and rubber construction.
Check out our guide to rug sizes for help answering questions like: What sizes do rugs come in? How do I know what size and shape would look best? There, you'll find a rug size comparison chart for each room to help you decorate.
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