How this flooring calculator works
Room area is length × width in square feet. Add a waste allowance — 5-10% for a simple straight layout, 10-15% for diagonal layouts or rooms with many corners, doorways and closets. Then divide by the coverage printed on the flooring box (usually 15-24 square feet per box for laminate) and round up to whole boxes.
Measure each room separately and add them together rather than measuring the whole house as one rectangle, because walls, closets and hallways break the floor into awkward shapes. For rooms with an angled wall, split the room into rectangles and triangles and add the parts.
Flooring buying tips
- Buy one extra box for repairs even with accurate estimates.
- Acclimate planks in the room for 48 hours before installation.
- Check the box for the intended coverage — don't assume a standard size.