Flooring Calculator
Enter the room size, choose a waste allowance for your layout, and type the coverage printed on the box. You'll see how many boxes to buy and the total cost, including installation if you add it.
How to measure a room for flooring
- Measure the longest length and width of the room. For L-shaped rooms, split into rectangles, calculate each one and add them up.
- Include closets and spaces under appliances that will get flooring.
- Choose a waste allowance: 5–10% for straight layouts, 15% or more for diagonal or herringbone patterns.
- Divide by the coverage on the box and always round up.
Flooring formula
Area = length × width
Area to buy = area × (1 + waste %)
Boxes = area to buy ÷ coverage per box (round up)
Example
A 15 × 12 ft room is 180 sq ft. With 10% waste you need 198 sq ft. If a box covers 20 sq ft you need 9.9, so you buy 10 boxes (200 sq ft). At $3.50 per sq ft that is $700 of flooring.
Typical material prices (per sq ft)
| Flooring | Material only |
|---|---|
| Laminate | $1.50–$5 |
| Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) | $2–$7 |
| Ceramic / porcelain tile | $1.50–$10 |
| Engineered hardwood | $4–$12 |
| Solid hardwood | $5–$15 |
Price ranges are broad guides; your local store and product line set the real price. Remember underlayment, transitions and baseboards.
Tips
- Buy all boxes from the same lot number so color and texture match.
- Keep one spare box for future repairs.
- Let laminate and wood acclimate in the room for 48 hours before installing.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra flooring should I buy?
Buy 5–10% extra for simple, straight layouts and 15–20% for diagonal, herringbone, or rooms with many corners and doorways.
How many boxes of flooring do I need for 200 square feet?
With 10% waste you need 220 sq ft. If each box covers 20 sq ft, buy 11 boxes.
How do I calculate flooring for an L-shaped room?
Split the room into two rectangles, find the area of each (length × width), add them together, then add your waste allowance.
Does flooring cost include installation?
Only if you enter an installation price. Professional installation often adds $2–$8 per sq ft depending on the material and region.