How do I calculate flooring needed?

Measure room length × width in feet to get square footage. Add 10% waste for cuts and mistakes. Divide total square feet by box coverage (typically 20 sq ft per box) to get boxes needed.

How much flooring is in a box?

Standard boxes cover 15-25 sq ft depending on plank size. Laminate/vinyl: typically 20 sq ft per box. Hardwood: 18-24 sq ft. Always check manufacturer specifications.

How much does flooring cost per square foot?

Laminate: $2-5/sq ft. Vinyl plank: $3-7/sq ft. Hardwood: $5-15/sq ft. Tile: $3-10/sq ft. Installation adds $3-8/sq ft depending on complexity and location.

Why add 10% waste for flooring?

Waste accounts for cuts around corners, closets, doorways, and mistakes. Simple rectangular rooms: 5-10%. L-shaped or complex layouts: 10-15%. Better to have extra than run short.

What direction should I lay flooring?

Run planks parallel to longest wall or perpendicular to floor joists. Follow light direction from main window for best visual effect. Avoid installing perpendicular to high-traffic doorways when possible.

Flooring Calculator

Calculate flooring planks and boxes needed for any room

Flooring Calculator

Calculate flooring materials needed for your project. Get plank counts, box quantities, and cost estimates for hardwood, laminate, or vinyl flooring.

Room Dimensions

Room Length *

Length of the room

Room Width *

Width of the room

Plank Specifications

Plank Length *

Typical: 4ft for hardwood, 4-5ft for laminate

Plank Width *

Typical: 0.25ft (3 inches) to 0.5ft (6 inches)

Waste Factor

10% standard, 15% for diagonal or complex layouts

Understanding Flooring Calculations

Flooring is sold by the square foot or in boxes covering a specific area (typically 20 sq ft per box). Always add 10% waste for straight layouts and 15% for diagonal or complex patterns with lots of cuts.

Plank dimensions vary by material. Hardwood planks are typically 3-5 inches wide and 3-4 feet long. Laminate planks are often 4-8 inches wide and 4-5 feet long. Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) range from 6-9 inches wide and 4-6 feet long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this tool