FastCalcs

Flooring calculator

Add the length and width of each room or area to see how much flooring to buy, including extra for cuts. Add the box size and price to see how many boxes you need and what it will cost.

Units

Rooms or areas

ft
ft
%

10% for straight layouts, 15% for diagonal or herringbone.

ft²

Printed on the box.

$per ft²

How the flooring calculator works

The calculator adds up the area of each rectangle you enter, adds the extra for waste, and divides by the box size.

Floor area = length × width, for each area, added together

Flooring to buy = floor area × (1 + waste % ÷ 100)

Boxes = flooring to buy ÷ coverage per box, rounded up

Worked example

You are putting laminate in a 12 × 15 ft living room. The boxes cover 20 ft² each and cost $3.50 per ft².

  1. Floor area: 12 × 15 = 180 ft².
  2. Add 10% for waste: 180 × 1.10 = 198 ft².
  3. Boxes: 198 ÷ 20 = 9.9, so buy 10 boxes (200 ft²).
  4. Cost: 200 ft² × $3.50 = $700.

Tips before you order

  • Let the flooring acclimate. Most wood and laminate floors should sit in the room for 48 hours before installing.
  • Check the batch number on every box. Colors can vary between batches.
  • Plan the layout so you don't end up with thin slivers along a wall.
  • Remember the extras: underlayment, transition strips, adhesive and baseboard.

Frequently asked questions

How do I measure a room for flooring?

Measure the length and width at the widest points, wall to wall, and multiply them. For an L-shaped room, split it into rectangles, measure each one and add them up. Include closets and doorways that will get the new floor.

How much extra flooring should I buy?

Add about 10% for a straight layout to cover cuts, mistakes and boards with defects. For diagonal, herringbone or patterned layouts, or rooms with many corners, add 15% or more.

How many boxes of flooring do I need?

Divide the total area, including the extra, by the area one box covers, and round up. For example, 198 ft² of flooring in boxes that cover 20 ft² each needs 10 boxes.

How do I convert square feet to square yards?

Divide square feet by 9, because a square yard is 3 ft × 3 ft. Carpet is often sold by the square yard, so 198 ft² is 22 square yards.

Do I need extra for underlayment or trim?

Underlayment usually covers the same area as the floor, without the extra for waste. Trim such as baseboard and transition strips is measured in linear feet around the edge of the room, not in square feet.

Calculations are exact for the measurements you enter. Check the coverage printed on the box and measure twice before ordering, especially for special-order flooring that can't be returned. Read the full disclaimer and how we check our formulas.