How to calculate flooring
Measure the room's floor area, add a waste allowance for cuts and damaged pieces, then divide by the coverage per box. Always round boxes up; stores rarely sell partial boxes.
Area = Length × Width
Area to buy = Area × (1 + Waste %)
Boxes = Area to buy ÷ Sq ft per box (round up)
Worked example: 14 × 12 ft living room
14 × 12 = 168 sq ft. With 10% waste you need 184.8 sq ft. At 22 sq ft per box, that is 8.4, so buy 9 boxes (198 sq ft).
How much waste to add
| Layout | Waste |
|---|---|
| Straight lay, simple rectangular room | 5–10% |
| Many corners, closets or doorways | 10–12% |
| Diagonal lay | 15% |
| Herringbone or chevron | 15–20% |
Before you install
- Let laminate and hardwood acclimate in the room for 48–72 hours.
- Buy underlayment for the same area unless the planks have it attached.
- Keep one unopened box for future repairs.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra flooring should I buy?
Buy 10% extra for a straight installation and 15% for diagonal or patterned layouts.
How many square feet are in a box of flooring?
It varies by product. Laminate boxes usually hold 18–25 sq ft and vinyl plank boxes 20–30 sq ft. Check the box label.
Do I measure closets for flooring?
Yes. If the flooring continues into closets, measure each one as its own rectangle and add it to the total.