Are Rug Measurements Length by Width? (The Ultimate Manual)

If you are shopping for a new area rug, you’ve likely seen dimensions like 5' x 7' or 8' x 10' and wondered: which side is which? The short answer is: rugs are typically listed as Width x Length. However, if you stop there, you might end up with a rug that sits awkwardly in your room or, worse, doesn't fit at all. Here is the expert breakdown of how to read rug measurements like a pro—and how to find the perfect fit at Rug Outlet USA.

1. The Standard Formula: Width x Length

In the rug industry, the convention is generally Width (the shorter side) x Length (the longer side). * Example: A 5' x 7' rug is 5 feet wide and 8 feet long.

The "Orientation" Exception: This rule assumes you are looking at the rug in a "portrait" orientation. If you are placing a rug in a hallway, the width is the distance between the walls, and the length is the distance you walk.

Shopping for a specific space? You can browse the Rug Outlet USA collection by size here to see exactly how these dimensions look in different styles.

2. The "Fringe" Factor (Where People Lose Inches)

One of the most common mistakes consumers make is forgetting the fringe.

The Rule: Standard measurements usually refer to the grid or the pile of the rug, not the decorative tassels.

The Risk: If you have exactly 10 feet of space and buy a rug with a 10-foot "length" three inches of fringe on either side could cause the rug to bunch up against the baseboard.

3. "Nominal" vs. Actual Size

Retailers often use "nominal" sizing—round numbers used for easy searching.

Expert Tip: An "8x10" rug is rarely exactly 8'0" x 10'0". It is often actually 7'8" x 9'6".

At Rug Outlet USA, we pride ourselves on product range. Whether you are looking for a large 8x10 area rug or a versatile 5x7 option, you can always find a rug for your space.

4. Measuring for Shapes

Not every rug is a rectangle. Here is how to handle the "oddballs":

Round Rugs: Measured by the diameter (the widest point through the center). Check out our unique round rug patterns for entryways and dining nooks.

Runners: These are measured as Narrow Width x Long Length. They are perfect for hallways, but don't forget to measure your door clearance! Explore our durable hallway runners here.

5. The Handmade Variance

If you are buying a hand-knotted or hand-woven rug, throw the ruler out the window—slightly. Because these are made by human hands, they are rarely perfectly symmetrical, don’t panic - it is normal.

Pro Tip: If you are fitting a handmade rug into a tight "nook," measure the rug at three different points along the width and length. For those who love the character of artisan pieces, view our Hand-Knotted Collection to see one-of-a-kind dimensions.

Time to Action

Knowing that rugs are "Length by Width" is the start, but measuring your rug (doors, vents, and floor outlets) is what actually ensures a successful room reveal.

Ready to find your perfect size? Visit Rug Outlet USA to shop by size, style, or color and take the guesswork out of your home transformation.