Square feet + waste + boxes
Flooring Calculator
Measure one room or several to estimate flooring square footage, a purchase allowance, and whole boxes for vinyl plank, laminate, or hardwood. Already know the floor area? Enter it directly.
Example only
- Measured floor area
- 180 sq ft
- With 10% waste
- 198 sq ft
- Box coverage
- 20 sq ft / box
Your result uses your own measurements and your product’s box coverage.
Measuring guide
How to measure a floor
Measure the floor itself, including any closet or nook that will receive the same material.
Measure each rectangle
Measure length and width in feet and inches. Multiply them to get square feet.
Split unusual shapes
Divide an L-shaped room into non-overlapping rectangles and add each one to the calculator.
Check the carton
Enter the square-foot coverage shown on the product you plan to buy. The box count rounds up to a whole box.
The math
How many boxes of flooring do I need?
First add the measured areas. Then apply your waste allowance and divide by the coverage printed on one box.
Example: a 12 × 15 ft room
- Floor area: 12 × 15 = 180 sq ft.
- With 10% waste: 180 × 1.10 = 198 sq ft to purchase.
- If one box covers 20 sq ft: 198 ÷ 20 = 9.9, so buy 10 whole boxes.
- At $40 per box, flooring material would cost 10 × $40 = $400 before tax and other project costs.
Ten percent is a starting point, not a promise of fit. Layout, cuts, and product instructions can change how much extra you need.
Materials
Use the same box calculation for common hard-surface floors
The area formula stays the same for vinyl plank, laminate, and hardwood. Their box coverage and installation instructions vary by product.
Check the listing or carton for square feet per box.
Include the rooms and closets where the laminate will be installed.
Confirm the manufacturer’s waste and installation guidance before ordering.
FAQ
Flooring calculator questions
How do I calculate flooring for multiple rooms?
Measure the length and width of each room, then add another area for each one. The calculator adds all room areas before applying waste and calculating whole boxes.
How do I measure an L-shaped room?
Split the floor into two non-overlapping rectangles. Measure each rectangle separately and enter both areas. Do the same for alcoves and other irregular spaces.
Should I include closets?
Include a closet if the same flooring will be installed there. Measure it as another area if it is not already included in the main room dimensions.
How much extra flooring should I buy?
The calculator starts with a 10% waste allowance for cuts and installation mistakes. You can change it based on the layout and your product’s instructions.
Where can I find square feet per box?
Look for “sq ft per carton” or “coverage per box” on the product label or listing. Coverage varies by product, so the calculator leaves this field blank until you know it.
Does the material cost include installation?
No. If you enter a price per box, the result multiplies that price by the whole number of boxes. It excludes tax, delivery, trim, underlayment, removal, and labor.
References
Sources behind this calculator
These guides explain measuring, allowing for cuts, and calculating boxes. Follow the instructions for the flooring you actually choose.
Measuring floor area
Home Depot shows how to measure rectangular spaces and add sections of irregular rooms.
Home Depot square footage guide ↗Waste and cartons
Lowe’s wood and laminate planner uses 10% extra and divides by the coverage printed on the carton.
Lowe’s flooring project planner ↗More tools