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Flooring Calculator

This flooring calculator tells you how many square feet and boxes to buy; our flooring installation guide compares materials and costs. Flooring is sold by the box, and each box covers a stated number of square feet. Measure the room, choose a waste allowance for your layout, and the calculator tells you how many boxes to buy and what the material will cost.

Results from this flooring calculator are planning estimates; confirm quantities and prices with your supplier or contractor before you order.

Enter your project

ft
in
m
ft
in
m
%

5–10% straight plank layout; 15% diagonal or herringbone.

sq ft
$/sq ft

Results

Your results will appear here

Enter your measurements and press Calculate. Defaults show a typical example.

How to use the flooring calculator

  1. Measure the room (add closets and split L-shapes into rectangles).
  2. Choose waste: more for diagonal patterns or rooms with many corners.
  3. Enter coverage per box from the carton.

Formula

Boxes = area × (1 + waste) ÷ coverage per box, rounded up.

Worked example

A 15 × 12 ft room is 180 sq ft; with 10% waste, 198 sq ft ÷ 20 sq ft per box = 10 boxes.

Tips for using the flooring calculator

  • Measure each room separately and add closets and transitions you plan to cover.
  • Add 5–10% waste for straight plank layouts and more for diagonal or patterned floors.
  • Let wood and laminate acclimate in the room as the manufacturer recommends.
  • Check the subfloor for flatness before ordering; most floating floors need it flat within about 3/16 in over 10 ft, and leveling compound or shims add time and cost. Keep a spare box for future repairs.
Installer fitting a wood-look laminate plank into place on a floor

Flooring Calculator FAQs

How much extra flooring should I buy?

Typically 5–10% for straight layouts and 15% for diagonal or herringbone, plus a box to keep for repairs.

How much does flooring installation cost?

National averages put professionally installed hard-surface flooring at roughly $5–$25+ per sq ft, with old-floor removal about $1.50–$3.50 per sq ft. See our flooring guide.

Should flooring acclimate?

Many wood and laminate products require acclimation in the room before installation. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to keep the warranty.

Estimate before you call a contractor

Run the numbers with our free calculators so you can compare bids with confidence.

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