How to use this baseboard calculator
- Measure the room length and width.
- Count the doorways; baseboard is not installed across them.
- Add 10% for miter cuts, or 15% for rooms with many corners.
Example
A 16 × 14 ft room with two 3 ft doorways needs 54 ft of baseboard, or 59.4 ft (18.1 m) with waste. That is 4 × 16 ft pieces.
What to know before you buy
Choosing baseboard height
Standard baseboard is 3–5 inches tall; taller baseboards (5–7 inches) suit rooms with high ceilings. MDF baseboard is affordable and paint-ready, while pine and hardwood can be stained. Use moisture-resistant PVC in bathrooms and basements.
Cutting corners
Outside corners are joined with two 45° miter cuts. Inside corners look best when coped: one piece is cut square against the wall and the other is back-cut to the profile, which hides gaps if walls are not perfectly square.
Baseboard for rooms with 1 door (10% waste, 16 ft pieces)
| Room size | Pieces needed | Linear feet (with waste) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 3 × 16 ft | 40.7 ft (12.4 m) |
| 10 × 12 ft | 3 × 16 ft | 45.1 ft (13.7 m) |
| 12 × 14 ft | 4 × 16 ft | 53.9 ft (16.4 m) |
| 14 × 16 ft | 4 × 16 ft | 62.7 ft (19.1 m) |
| 15 × 20 ft | 5 × 16 ft | 73.7 ft (22.5 m) |
Formula
Linear feet = 2 × (length + width) − doors × door width. Pieces = linear feet × (1 + waste) ÷ piece length.
Tips from the pros
- Cope inside corners instead of mitering them for tighter joints.
- Use scarf joints (45° cuts) where two pieces meet along a wall.
- Paint or stain trim before installing and touch up afterward.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying only short pieces, which creates many visible joints.
- Forgetting closets and hallways.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra baseboard should I buy?
About 10%. Every outside and inside corner consumes extra length for the cuts.
Should I buy longer pieces?
Yes, when possible: longer pieces mean fewer seams along a wall.
How much baseboard for a 12x12 room?
48 linear feet minus doorways, about 45 ft with one door, or 50 ft with 10% waste.
What nails should I use for baseboard?
15 or 16 gauge finish nails, 2–2½ inches long, driven into the studs and bottom plate.