Flooring Calculator
Calculate how much flooring you need for any room. Works for laminate, vinyl plank, hardwood, engineered wood, and carpet.
Last updated: January 11, 2026
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Affordable, durable, easy to install
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Results
198
sq ft needed
Room Area:180 sq ft
Base Flooring:180 sq ft
Extra for Waste:+18 sq ft
Boxes Needed:10 boxes (20 sq ft/box)
Calculation Steps
Room Area: 12 × 15 ft= 180 sq ft
Base Flooring: 180 sq ft= 180 sq ft
+ 10% Waste: 180 × 1.1= 198 sq ft
Boxes Needed: 198 ÷ 20= 10 boxes
Privacy First - All calculations in your browser Expert-verified formula
How to Use This Calculator
- Select flooring type — Choose laminate, vinyl plank, hardwood, engineered wood, or carpet. Each has different waste recommendations.
- Measure your room — Get the length and width with a tape measure. For L-shaped rooms, break them into rectangles and add the areas together.
- Enter box coverage — Check your flooring packaging for square feet per box. Common sizes are 18-25 sq ft per box.
- Add waste percentage — We recommend 10% for standard rooms, 15% for diagonal patterns or hardwood. Don't skip this — running short mid-project is a nightmare.
- Review results — See total square footage needed and number of boxes to buy. Enable cost estimate for budget planning.
How We Calculate
Flooring Needed = Length × Width × (1 + Waste%)
Example Calculation:
- • Room: 12 ft × 15 ft = 180 sq ft
- • Waste factor: 10%
- • With waste: 180 × 1.1 = 198 sq ft
- • Box coverage: 20 sq ft/box
- • Boxes needed: 198 ÷ 20 = 10 boxes
Waste percentage and installation standards per NWFA guidelines. Learn more →
Flooring Cost Guide (2026)
| Flooring Type | Material | Installed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $1–$4/sq ft | $5–$12/sq ft | Budget, DIY-friendly |
| Vinyl Plank (LVP) | $2–$7/sq ft | $5–$14/sq ft | Waterproof, kitchens |
| Engineered Wood | $4–$10/sq ft | $8–$15/sq ft | Basements, concrete |
| Solid Hardwood | $5–$25/sq ft | $8–$25/sq ft | Long-term value |
| Carpet | $1.50–$5/sq ft | $3–$11/sq ft | Bedrooms, comfort |
*Prices are 2026 U.S. national averages for reference only. Actual costs vary by location, supplier, and project complexity.* Sources: HomeAdvisor, This Old House