Converting square yard price to linear foot
Square yard price is the raw carpet cost regardless of width. To get a per-linear-foot figure for a specific runner width, multiply the square yard price by the width in yards.
| Runner width | Width in yards | Sq yd price -> per linear ft |
|---|---|---|
| 27 in (68 cm) | 0.75 yd | $60/sq yd = $15/linear ft |
| 32 in (81 cm) | 0.89 yd | $60/sq yd = $17.80/linear ft |
| 36 in (91 cm) | 1.0 yd | $60/sq yd = $20/linear ft |
Know your numbers in 30 seconds
Enter your step count, tread depth and riser height — the stair runner calculator gives you the exact length to order, in metres and feet, with waste included.
Open the stair runner calculatorTypical price per square yard by material
| Material | US $ per sq yd | UK £ per sq m |
|---|---|---|
| Polypropylene | $25-$45 | £20-£38 |
| Nylon | $40-$75 | £32-£60 |
| Wool blend (80/20) | $65-$120 | £50-£95 |
| 100% wool | $90-$180 | £70-£140 |
| Sisal / seagrass | $45-$95 | £35-£75 |
Worked example for a 13-step flight
A 27in-wide runner needing 21ft of length is about 7 linear yards, or 5.25 square yards (7yd x 0.75yd width). At $65/sq yd for a wool blend, that is roughly $341 in carpet before underlay, binding and fitting.
Always compare like for like
Some quotes bundle underlay and fitting into a per-square-yard figure, others quote carpet alone. Ask what is included before comparing two quotes side by side.
When to call a professional instead
Plenty of homeowners handle stair runner price per square yard themselves on a straightforward straight flight, but certain conditions tip the balance firmly towards hiring a fitter. Getting a second opinion before committing materials often costs nothing and can save an expensive mistake on a job that cannot easily be undone.
- The staircase has a turn, winders, a curve or a split level rather than one straight run.
- The existing substrate is damaged, damp, or its condition is genuinely unclear.
- The runner is an expensive natural fibre or bespoke pattern where a cutting mistake is costly.
- You have no experience with a staple gun, knee kicker or carpet seaming on stairs.
- The staircase is the main one in the home and downtime or an unfinished look is not acceptable.
Worked example with real numbers
To see how stair runner price per square yard plays out on an actual staircase, take a common 13-step flight with a 10 in (25 cm) tread depth and a 7.5 in (19 cm) riser height. That gives 17.5 in (44 cm) per step, or 227.5 in (5.78 m) of raw length before any waste allowance is added, a figure worth keeping in mind whenever this topic is discussed in isolation from the rest of the job.
| Measurement | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth | 10 in | 25 cm |
| Riser height | 7.5 in | 19 cm |
| Per step total | 17.5 in | 44 cm |
| 13 steps, raw length | 227.5 in | 5.78 m |
| With 8% waste allowance | 245.7 in | 6.24 m |
Whatever you decide, get the numbers first: the stair runner calculator doubles as a stair runner length calculator, adding nosing wrap, landings, winders, pattern repeat and waste so you order the right length the first time.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert stair runner price per square yard to total cost?
Multiply the square yard price by the total square yardage needed: linear length in yards multiplied by the runner width in yards. A 27in runner is 0.75 yards wide.
Is stair runner sold by the yard or the foot?
Both. The raw carpet is usually priced per square yard or metre, while cut-to-length runner installations are often quoted per linear foot for a specific width.
What is a good price per square yard for a stair runner?
$40-$75 per square yard for durable nylon is good value for most homes; under $30 usually means thin polypropylene, over $100 is premium wool.
How many square yards does a 13-step stair runner need?
Around 5-5.5 square yards for a 27in-wide runner on a typical 13-step flight, once waste allowance is included.
What is the biggest mistake people make with this?
Rushing the measuring or prep stage. Most poor outcomes with stair runner price per square yard trace back to a single measurement taken at the wrong point, or a substrate check skipped to save a few minutes, both far cheaper to fix before the runner is cut than after.
Know your numbers in 30 seconds
Enter your step count, tread depth and riser height — the stair runner calculator gives you the exact length to order, in metres and feet, with waste included.
Convert my price per yard to total costEvery guide is written from hands-on measuring and fitting experience, checked against the calculator’s own maths, and re-reviewed whenever prices or methods change. Read our editorial standards.