Flooring Calculator
Calculate exactly how much flooring you need for any room. Get accurate box counts with pattern-specific waste factors, cost estimates, and a complete shopping list.
Calculate Your Flooring Needs
Find out how much flooring to buy for your room
Room Dimensions (feet)
10% waste - Standard parallel installation, most efficient
Check the box label (typically 20-25 sq ft)
Additional Areas
~3.5 sq ft each
Flooring Needed
10 boxes
220 sq ft coverage (includes 10% waste for straight/parallel pattern)
Room Area
180 sq ft
main floor
Total Area
192 sq ft
+12 sq ft extras
With Waste
211 sq ft
+10% waste factor
Total Cost
$800
estimated
Shopping List
Waste By Pattern
Don't Forget
- Spacers (1/4" or 3/8")
- Tapping block
- Pull bar
- Saw (miter or circular)
- Tape measure
- Pencil & chalk line
- Knee pads
- Safety glasses
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your room dimensions in feet - length and width. Measure at the longest points, including any alcoves or bump-outs you plan to floor.
Select your flooring type (laminate, hardwood, vinyl, or tile) and installation pattern. The pattern significantly affects waste - diagonal and herringbone patterns require more material due to angled cuts.
Enter the square feet per box from your flooring's packaging (typically 20-25 sq ft) and the price per square foot for accurate cost estimates.
Add closets and stairs if you're flooring those areas too. Don't forget to include underlayment and transition strips for doorways.
Understanding Your Results
The boxes needed includes your pattern's waste factor, rounded up to whole boxes. You can't buy partial boxes, so always buy the full amount shown.
Waste percentages vary by pattern: straight patterns are most efficient at 10%, while chevron patterns need 25% extra due to the pre-angled cuts and complex fitting at walls.
The shopping list includes flooring boxes, underlayment rolls (100 sq ft each), and transition strips. Prices are estimates - check your local store for exact pricing.
The "Don't Forget" list shows essential tools and supplies. Having everything ready before you start makes installation much smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much flooring waste should I allow?
Waste allowance depends on your installation pattern. Straight/parallel patterns need 10% extra, diagonal patterns need 15%, herringbone needs 20%, and chevron patterns need 25%. This accounts for cuts at walls, mistakes, and damaged pieces.
How do I calculate square footage for flooring?
Multiply the room's length by its width in feet. For example, a 15x12 foot room is 180 square feet. Add closets and other areas separately, then add your waste percentage based on the installation pattern.
How many boxes of flooring do I need?
Divide your total square footage (including waste) by the square feet per box (usually printed on the box, typically 20-25 sq ft). Always round up to the next whole box. For example, 200 sq ft ÷ 22 sq ft/box = 9.1, so buy 10 boxes.
Why does diagonal flooring need more waste?
Diagonal installation (45-degree angle) creates more angled cuts where the flooring meets walls. Each wall intersection requires a custom-cut piece, and more of each plank gets trimmed off compared to straight installation.
Do I need underlayment for all flooring types?
Underlayment is recommended for laminate, engineered hardwood, and luxury vinyl plank. It provides cushioning, sound absorption, and moisture protection. Tile uses a different substrate (backer board), and most carpet has attached padding.
How many transition strips do I need?
Count each doorway where flooring meets different flooring, carpet, or tile. You'll also need transitions where flooring meets exterior doors. Standard doorways are 3 feet wide and require one strip each.
Should I buy extra boxes for repairs?
Yes, buy 1-2 extra boxes and store them. Flooring can be damaged over time, and matching the exact color/dye lot later can be difficult or impossible. Many manufacturers discontinue patterns after a few years.
How long should flooring acclimate before installation?
Most manufacturers recommend 48-72 hours of acclimation in the room where it will be installed. This allows the flooring to adjust to the room's temperature and humidity, preventing expansion or contraction after installation.
Related Calculators
Found this calculator helpful?
Check out our other free calculators for everyday math problems.
View All Calculators