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Flooring Calculator

Calculate flooring for a room and its cost. Enter the dimensions and box coverage, add a waste allowance and price per box, and we'll size the order.

ft
ft
sq ft
%
$
Boxes needed
Floor area
Area incl. waste
Estimated cost

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Order by the box, plan for waste

Flooring comes in boxes that each cover a set area, so you round up to whole boxes. Add 10% for waste on straight installs and more for diagonal layouts or rooms with many angles. Enter the price per box to budget, and keep a spare box — dye lots shift between production runs.

How it’s calculated

Boxes = area Γ— (1 + waste) Γ· coverage per box, rounded up.

Results update as you type and are estimates, not professional advice β€” verify important decisions with a qualified professional.

Worked example

A 12x15 room with 20-sq-ft boxes and 10% waste needs 10 boxes.

Common mistakes

  • Forgetting waste for cuts and a spare box for repairs.
  • Mismatching dye lots by buying boxes later.

Where it is used

  • Ordering laminate, vinyl, or hardwood by the box.
  • Budgeting flooring cost for a room.

Frequently asked questions

How much extra should I buy?

10% for straight layouts; 15% for diagonal patterns, long planks, or complex rooms.

What if my room isn't rectangular?

Split it into rectangles, calculate each, and add them together before applying waste.

Do I need underlayment?

Often yes, unless the flooring has an attached pad. Budget it separately from the boxes.