Quick answer: a 5x8 and a 5x7 rug are the same width (60 inches); the 5x8 is 12 inches longer. That is 60 x 96 inches and 40 square feet against 60 x 84 inches and 35 square feet, or 14% more rug. Choose the 5x8 if your sofa is 76 to 84 inches or you want more rug beside a queen bed. Choose the 5x7 for loveseats, twin and full beds, small offices and tighter rooms.
- 5x7: 60 x 84 in, about 152 x 213 cm.
- 5x8: 60 x 96 in, about 152 x 244 cm.
- Neither is wide enough for a dining table for four.
5x8 vs 5x7 Rug Size in Inches and Centimeters
| 5x7 rug | 5x8 rug | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feet | 5 x 7 ft | 5 x 8 ft | +1 ft long |
| Inches | 60 x 84 in | 60 x 96 in | +12 in long |
| Centimeters | 152 x 213 cm | 152 x 244 cm | +30 cm long |
| Area | 35 sq ft | 40 sq ft | +5 sq ft (14%) |
| Rug pad | about 4'10" x 6'10" | about 4'10" x 7'10" |
For everything about one size on its own, including room sizes and placement in every room, see our 5x7 size guide and 5x8 size guide.
The Sofa Test: Where the Extra Foot Matters Most
Run the long side of the rug parallel to the sofa. A rug looks anchored when it extends at least 6 inches past each arm. This is where the two sizes split:
| Seating length | 5x7 (84 in): past each arm | 5x8 (96 in): past each arm |
|---|---|---|
| 60-inch loveseat | 12 in: ideal | 18 in: ideal |
| 72-inch apartment sofa | 6 in: works | 12 in: ideal |
| 80-inch sofa | 2 in: too tight | 8 in: works |
| 84-inch standard sofa | 0 in: too small | 6 in: works |
| 90 inches or longer | Too small | Too small; go to 6x9 or 8x10 |
In short: if your sofa is 76 inches or longer, the 5x8 is worth the extra foot. Both rugs are only 60 inches deep, so on either one the chairs go at the ends of the rug, not across from the sofa. For more on living room fit, see is a 5x7 rug big enough for a living room.
5x8 vs 5x7 in the Bedroom
Turn the rug sideways so its long side runs across the bed, starting a little below the nightstands. Rug showing on each side:
| Bed (width) | 5x7 (84 in across) | 5x8 (96 in across) |
|---|---|---|
| Twin (38 in) | 23 in: ideal | 29 in: generous; may crowd a small room |
| Full (54 in) | 15 in: works | 21 in: ideal |
| Queen (60 in) | 12 in: works | 18 in: ideal |
| King (76 in) | 4 in: too small | 10 in: tight; a 6x9 or 8x10 looks better |
In a small kids' room, the 5x7 is often the better choice because the extra foot can run into a closet door or dresser. Under a queen, the 5x8 gives a more comfortable step-out on both sides. More layouts are in our bedroom rug size guide.
Home Office, Entryway and Dining
- Home office: a 5x7 fits under most desks up to 60 inches wide and keeps the chair on the rug when pushed back. Choose a 5x8 for a desk and a reading chair together.
- Entryway: a 5x7 suits most foyers; the 5x8 only if you have at least 10 feet of clear length.
- Dining: neither. Chairs need about 24 inches of rug past each table edge, and at 60 inches wide these rugs only fit a 12-inch-wide table. Use an 8x10 or an 8-foot round; see our dining room rug size guide.
Room Size and Cost
With 12 to 18 inches of floor showing, a 5x7 suits rooms of about 8x10 feet and a 5x8 rooms of about 8x11 to 9x11 feet. Because the width is the same, the 5x8 needs the extra foot in the room's length, not its width.
On cost, a 5x8 uses about 14% more material than the same design in 5x7, and the price usually rises by a similar share. That is a small premium for a better fit with a full-size sofa, and wasted money if your sofa is a loveseat.
5x8 or 5x7: How to Decide
- Measure your sofa. Up to 72 inches: 5x7. 76 to 84 inches: 5x8. Longer: 6x9 or 8x10.
- Check the bed. Twin or full: 5x7. Queen: 5x8. King: go bigger.
- Measure the room's length. You need about 10 to 11 feet for a 5x8 with a comfortable border.
- Tape both out. Mark 60 x 84 and 60 x 96 inches with painter's tape, sharing one end, and live with them for a day.
If both feel small, skip ahead to a 6x9. Our 5x7 vs 6x9 comparison shows the jump.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a 5x7 and a 5x8 rug?
Is a 5x8 much bigger than a 5x7?
How big is a 5x8 rug in inches?
How big is a 5x7 rug in inches?
Is a 5x8 rug too small for a living room?
Is it better for a rug to be too big or too small?
About RugKnots
RugKnots is a family-owned rug company in Hagerstown, Maryland, importing and selling hand-knotted rugs since 1987. We hand-inspect every order, offer free U.S. shipping and a 30-day return guarantee. Questions? Reach out and a real person will reply within one business day.
