Flooring Calculator — Laminate, Vinyl, Hardwood & Carpet
Add up every room, pick your flooring type and layout, and get the square footage to order with the right waste allowance, the number of boxes, underlayment rolls, baseboard length and the total cost.
Flooring to buy
How to calculate flooring
- Measure each room's length and width in feet at the widest points, including closets and areas under appliances that will be floored.
- Choose the flooring type and layout; diagonal and herringbone patterns need more waste.
- Enter the coverage printed on the box (square feet per carton) and the price.
How much extra flooring to buy
Multiply length by width for each room and add them together. Then add a waste allowance for cuts, mistakes and matching patterns: about 10% for straight layouts, 15% for diagonal installs and 20% for herringbone or chevron. Round up to whole boxes; flooring is sold by the carton.
Carpet comes in rolls, usually 12 feet wide, so seams and the roll width affect how much you buy. The calculator estimates carpet in square yards with a 10% allowance; a carpet installer's seaming plan may differ for oddly shaped rooms.
Keep one or two spare boxes from the same production lot for future repairs, because colors vary between lots. Baseboard and quarter-round are measured along the room perimeters; subtract door openings if you want a tighter number.
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Frequently asked questions
How much waste should I add for flooring?
10% for a standard straight layout, 15% for diagonal, and around 20% for herringbone or chevron patterns.
How many square feet are in a box of flooring?
Commonly 15–30 sq ft for laminate and vinyl plank and 18–25 sq ft for hardwood; check the label.
How do I convert square feet to square yards?
Divide by 9. Carpet is often priced per square yard.
Do I need underlayment?
Floating laminate and some vinyl need it unless it is pre-attached; check the manufacturer's instructions.