Flooring Calculator

Add 10% for a standard straight installation, 5% only for a simple rectangular room with few cuts, about 15% for diagonal layouts or rooms with many corners and closets, and up to 20% for herringbone or chevron patterns.

Measure the longest length and width of the room, including the space under baseboards and into door openings. Split L-shaped rooms into rectangles, calculate each one and add them up; the calculator lets you add as many rooms as you need.

Divide the total square feet (floor area plus waste) by the square feet in one box, and round up. A 168 sq ft room with 10% waste needs 184.8 sq ft; with 20 sq ft boxes, that is 10 boxes.

Subtract fixed cabinets and islands, since flooring usually doesn't go under them (floating floors must not be pinned under cabinets). Include closets if you are flooring them.

Most laminate and many vinyl plank floors require a foam or cork underlayment unless one is pre-attached. You need the same square footage of underlayment as floor, without the waste allowance.