Flooring Calculator
Estimate the square footage and boxes of laminate, vinyl plank or hardwood a room needs.
Calculator
| Flooring to buy (+10%) | 158 ft² |
|---|---|
| Room area | 144 ft² |
How it is calculated
12 × 12 = 144 sq ft; add 10% waste = 158 sq ft; at 20 sq ft per box that is 8 boxes.
About this calculator
Flooring such as laminate, vinyl plank and engineered wood is sold in boxes, each covering a set area. Measure the room, add an allowance for waste, then divide by the box coverage.
Waste covers cuts along the walls, damaged pieces and pattern matching. Ten percent is a common allowance for a simple rectangular room; plan more for diagonal layouts or rooms with many corners.
Worked examples
| Project | Boxes (20 sq ft each, +10% waste) | Rough cost |
|---|---|---|
| a 10x12 ft room | 7 boxes | $264 – $1,056 |
| a 12x16 ft room | 11 boxes | $422 – $1,690 |
| a 15x20 ft room | 17 boxes | $660 – $2,640 |
| a 20x30 ft room | 33 boxes | $1,320 – $5,280 |
Buying notes
- Check the coverage printed on the box. This calculator assumes 20 sq ft per box, but boxes vary.
- Buy all boxes at once so the color and dye lot match.
- Underlayment, transition strips, baseboard and adhesive are extra and not included in the estimate.
Quick answers by size
Click a size for the exact quantity and cost.
How to measure and use this calculator
- Measure the room's length and width.
- Enter them to get square feet plus 10% waste.
- Check the coverage per box on the product you picked.
- Buy all boxes at once to match dye lots.
Common mistakes
- Skipping the waste allowance, then being unable to match the pattern later.
- Not accounting for closets and alcoves.
- Forgetting underlayment and transition strips.
Tips
- Add 10% for cuts, or 15% for diagonal layouts and tricky rooms.
- Boxes vary from about 15 to 25 sq ft; check the one you plan to buy.
- Buy all boxes at once so the dye lots match.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra flooring should I buy?
Ten percent is a common allowance; use 15% for diagonal patterns.
How do I measure an irregular room?
Split it into rectangles, work out each area, and add them together before applying the waste allowance.
Do I include closets?
Yes, if the flooring will run into them. Measure each closet as its own rectangle and add it to the total.