Flooring Calculator
Calculate square footage and materials needed for hardwood, laminate, tile, carpet, or vinyl flooring installations.
Flooring Type
Room Dimensions
Additional Areas
5% straight, 10% diagonal, 15% complex
Product Specs (Optional)
Total Flooring Needed
132 sq ft
14.7 sq yards
How to Calculate Flooring Square Footage
Accurate flooring calculations ensure you order the right amount of material, avoiding costly delays or waste. This calculator works for all flooring types including hardwood, laminate, tile, carpet, vinyl, and LVP (luxury vinyl plank).
Basic Square Footage Formula
Square Feet = Length × Width
For rectangular rooms, multiply the room's length by its width in feet. For irregular shapes, divide the room into rectangles, calculate each area separately, then add them together.
Waste Factor Guidelines
- 5%: Straight pattern, simple rectangular room
- 10%: Standard recommendation, diagonal patterns
- 15%: Complex layouts, herringbone, chevron patterns
- 20%: Intricate tile patterns, many cuts around fixtures
Flooring Types and Considerations
Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood typically comes in bundles covering 20-25 sq ft. Add 10% waste for standard installations. Consider the direction of installation and use 15% waste for diagonal patterns.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate boxes usually cover 20-30 sq ft. These planks are consistent in size, so waste can be as low as 5% for simple rooms. However, 10% is recommended to account for mistakes and future repairs.
Tile Flooring
Ceramic and porcelain tile require the highest waste factor due to cutting and breakage. Use 15% minimum, or 20% for diagonal and complex patterns. Buy extra tiles for future repairs as dye lots vary.
Carpet
Carpet is sold by square yard (9 sq ft). Seam placement and pattern matching can significantly increase waste. Professional installers typically add 10-15% waste.
Vinyl and LVP
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and sheet vinyl are efficient with minimal waste. Use 5-8% for LVP planks and 10% for patterned sheet vinyl that requires matching.
Common Installation Patterns
- Straight/Parallel: Planks run parallel to longest wall (5-10% waste)
- Diagonal: 45-degree angle to walls (15% waste)
- Herringbone/Chevron: V-pattern (15-20% waste)
- Random/Staggered: Varied plank lengths (10% waste)
Important Notes
Always measure each room individually and add waste factors. Round up to whole boxes—you cannot order partial boxes. Keep extra flooring for future repairs, as product lines and colors may be discontinued.
Professional installation typically costs $3-8 per square foot depending on material type and complexity. This calculator estimates material costs only.
Subfloor preparation, underlayment, transitions, and baseboards are not included in these calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate square footage for flooring?
Multiply room length by width in feet to get square footage. For L-shaped or irregular rooms, divide into rectangles and add them together. Always add 5-15% waste factor depending on installation pattern and complexity.
How much waste should I add for flooring?
Add 5% for standard straight patterns in simple rooms, 10% for diagonal patterns or moderate complexity, and 15% for complex layouts, tile installations, or intricate patterns like herringbone.
How many square feet are in a box of flooring?
Laminate and hardwood typically come in boxes covering 20-30 sq ft per box. Tile boxes vary from 10-15 sq ft depending on tile size. Always check your specific product packaging for exact coverage.
Do I measure flooring in square feet or square yards?
Most flooring materials (hardwood, laminate, tile, vinyl) are sold by the square foot. Carpet is typically priced by the square yard. Remember: 1 square yard = 9 square feet.
Should I include closets in flooring calculations?
Yes, include closets in your calculations for a seamless, professional look. However, you can exclude areas under permanent fixtures like kitchen islands or built-in cabinets that won't be moved.