How to use this flooring calculator
- Measure the room length and width.
- Add 10% waste for straight installs, 15% for diagonal layouts or rooms with many corners.
- Enter the square feet per box printed on the packaging.
Example
A 16 × 14 ft living room with 10% waste needs 246 sq ft (22.9 m²) of flooring. With boxes covering 22 sq ft each, you need 12 boxes.
What to know before you buy
Types of flooring
Laminate and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are sold in boxes of about 18–25 sq ft and usually float over an underlayment. Engineered hardwood can float or be glued, while solid hardwood is nailed down. Vinyl is the most water-resistant choice for kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
Underlayment and transitions
Most floating floors need an underlayment with the same square footage as the floor (some planks have it attached). Plan transition strips at doorways and where the new floor meets other flooring, and quarter-round or baseboard to cover the expansion gap.
Boxes of flooring (20 sq ft per box, 10% waste)
| Room size | Boxes needed | Flooring needed |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 6 | 110 sq ft (10.2 m²) |
| 10 × 12 ft | 7 | 132 sq ft (12.3 m²) |
| 12 × 12 ft | 8 | 158 sq ft (14.7 m²) |
| 12 × 15 ft | 10 | 198 sq ft (18.4 m²) |
| 14 × 16 ft | 13 | 246 sq ft (22.9 m²) |
| 15 × 20 ft | 17 | 330 sq ft (30.7 m²) |
Formula
Boxes = room area × (1 + waste) ÷ coverage per box, rounded up.
Tips from the pros
- Let laminate and vinyl acclimate in the room for 48 hours before installing.
- Run planks parallel to the longest wall or the main light source for the best look.
- Keep an unopened box for future repairs.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting closets and the space under removable appliances.
- Not leaving an expansion gap at the walls for floating floors.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra flooring should I buy?
Usually 10%. Buy all boxes from the same lot so the color matches.
Should I include closets?
Yes, if the flooring continues into them; measure them separately and add the areas.
How much flooring do I need for a 12x12 room?
144 sq ft plus 10% waste, about 159 sq ft. With 20 sq ft boxes, that is 8 boxes.
Can I return extra flooring boxes?
Most stores accept unopened boxes; check the return policy before buying, and keep one box for repairs.