Calculate how much flooring you need for any room. Works for hardwood, laminate, vinyl plank, tile, and carpet. Includes waste allowance, box count, and full cost estimate.
Select flooring type 5 material types
Room dimensions
ft
ft
Material details
in
Typical: 3–7 in wide
in
Typical: 36–60 in long
sq ft
Check your product packaging
$
Mid-grade: $40–$80/box
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square feet needed
Including 10% waste
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Boxes to buy
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Square yards
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Total cost
Room area (bare)—
Waste added—
Total material needed—
Planks / boards—
Boxes to purchase—
Total cost estimate—
Frequently asked questions
How much flooring do I need for a 12×16 room? ›
A 12×16 ft room = 192 sq ft. With the standard 10% waste factor, you need about 212 sq ft of flooring material. For a box that covers 20 sq ft, that's 11 boxes. Always check the actual coverage on your specific product box — it varies by brand and board size.
How much extra flooring should I buy for waste? ›
10% is the standard recommendation for straight installations in simple rectangular rooms. Use 15% for diagonal or herringbone patterns, rooms with many angles or alcoves, or stairways. Use 5% only for large, simple, perfectly rectangular rooms where you're very confident in your measurements. Always buy a little extra — flooring from the same dye lot can be hard to match later if you run short.
What is the difference between hardwood and laminate flooring? ›
Solid hardwood is real wood throughout and can be sanded and refinished multiple times, lasting 100+ years. Engineered hardwood has a real wood veneer over plywood. Laminate is a photograph of wood under a wear layer — it looks like wood but cannot be refinished. Laminate is more affordable ($1–$5/sq ft) and moisture-resistant than solid hardwood ($6–$15/sq ft), but has a shorter lifespan and lower resale value.
What's the difference between LVP and laminate? ›
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and laminate both mimic the look of hardwood, but LVP is 100% waterproof — making it suitable for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements where laminate would swell and buckle. LVP is also softer underfoot. Laminate is generally harder and can feel more authentic underfoot, but must stay dry. For kitchens and bathrooms, LVP/LVT is the better choice.
How do I measure a room for flooring? ›
Measure the room at its widest and longest points — include closets and doorway areas since you'll need flooring there too. For L-shaped rooms, divide into two rectangles and add the areas. Round up to the nearest foot, then apply your waste factor. For carpet, measure the exact dimensions including any alcoves, since carpet is cut from a roll and seams should be minimized.
About this flooring calculator
This calculator supports five flooring material types — each with appropriate default settings and specific measurements. For plank-based materials (hardwood, laminate, vinyl), it calculates the exact number of individual planks in addition to boxes. For tile, it calculates the number of tiles. For carpet, it accounts for roll width to minimize seams.
Don't forget underlayment
Most laminate and vinyl plank installations require a foam or felt underlayment (sometimes pre-attached to the plank). Budget approximately $0.25–$0.50/sq ft for underlayment if not included. Hardwood installations may need a moisture barrier or rosin paper. Ask your flooring supplier what's recommended for your subfloor type.