flooring
Flooring & planks
Find total area and required packs for laminate, vinyl, or hardwood.
Results are approximate. Verify with manufacturer specifications or consult a professional.
Project inputs
IMPERIAL
Enter a value in ft.
Enter a value in ft.
Enter a value in ft².
Includes breakage, spillage, onsite adjustments
Material output
Updates instantly as you type.
Primary output
302.4m²
302.4 m²
≈ 280 m² primary output
Estimated packaging
13 packs
You need 302.4 m², approximately 13 packs
Packs
Your units
13 ea
Results are approximate. Verify with manufacturer specifications or consult a professional.
How it works
Frequently asked questions
Country defaults
United States · USD · imperial
Waste factor: 8.0%
Context & guidance
Results are approximate. Verify with manufacturer specifications or consult a professional.
About This Calculator
Calculate the exact amount of flooring material needed for your project, whether hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile, or carpet. The calculator accounts for room dimensions, waste factors (typically 5-10% for rectangular rooms, 10-15% for irregular shapes), and standard material widths. Supports both metric and imperial units with automatic conversion.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Measure Room Dimensions
Measure the length and width of the room at the widest points. For irregular rooms, break them into rectangles and measure each section. Standard residential rooms are 3-5m (10-16ft) wide and 4-6m (13-20ft) long.
Select Flooring Type
Choose your material: hardwood planks (typically 10-15cm wide), laminate (12-20cm), vinyl tiles (30-60cm), or carpet rolls (3-4m wide). Each type has different waste factors and installation patterns.
Account for Waste Factor
Rectangular rooms need 5-10% waste for cuts and pattern matching. Irregular rooms, diagonal layouts, or herringbone patterns need 10-15% waste. The calculator applies country-specific defaults but you can adjust.
Calculate Material Needed
The calculator shows total area, material needed including waste, and number of boxes/rolls required. For planks: divide by box coverage (typically 1.5-2.5 m² per box). Always round up to full boxes.
Order Materials
Order 10-15% extra beyond calculated needs for future repairs and to ensure you have matching material from the same batch. Store leftovers in climate-controlled conditions.
Common Mistakes
Not measuring at widest points
Always measure at the room's widest points, not just one corner. Rooms are rarely perfectly square, and measuring narrow points leads to material shortages.
Underestimating waste for irregular rooms
Irregular shapes, diagonal layouts, and pattern matching (herringbone, chevron) require 10-15% waste, not the standard 5-10%. Always add extra for complex layouts.
Forgetting to account for closets and alcoves
Include all areas: closets, alcoves, and under-stair spaces. These small areas add up and can account for 5-10% of total floor area.
Not ordering extra for future repairs
Always order 10-15% extra beyond calculated needs. Flooring manufacturers discontinue colors/styles, and you'll need matching material for future repairs or expansions.
Pro Tips
Buy all flooring from the same batch/lot number to ensure color consistency. Mixing batches can show slight color variations.
For diagonal or herringbone patterns, add 15-20% waste instead of the standard 10%. These patterns create more offcuts.
Measure and order underlayment separately. Most flooring requires underlayment (foam, cork, or specialized), which has its own coverage calculations.
For multi-room projects, calculate each room separately then sum totals. This helps identify which rooms need pattern matching.
Keep leftover boxes in climate-controlled storage. Temperature and humidity changes can affect flooring dimensions and cause gaps or buckling.
For hardwood, account for grain direction and board length. Longer boards reduce waste but may cost more. Plan your layout before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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