Flooring Calculator
Enter your room size, waste allowance and price to see how many boxes of flooring you need and what the material costs.
These are estimates. Real jobs vary with surface, product and waste, so round up and check your product's label before you buy.
How much flooring do I need?
Measure the length and width of each room and add the areas together. Then add 5 to 10 percent for cuts, mistakes and future repairs, and more for diagonal or patterned layouts. Flooring is sold in boxes that cover a set area, so round up to whole boxes.
| Room size | Area (sq ft) | Boxes (10% waste, 20 sq ft each) |
|---|---|---|
| 10×10 ft | 100 | 6 |
| 12×12 ft | 144 | 8 |
| 12×15 ft | 180 | 10 |
| 15×20 ft | 300 | 17 |
| 20×25 ft | 500 | 28 |
How much does it cost to install laminate flooring?
The total is material plus underlayment, labor and extras such as trim, transitions and removing the old floor. Prices vary a lot by brand, thickness and region, so we don't quote one national number. Enter the per-square-foot price from your local store above to get the material cost, and ask installers for written quotes for labor. Laminate and vinyl plank click together, which makes them popular for DIY.
Measuring tips
Measure at the widest points and include closets and nooks. For an L-shaped room, split it into rectangles and calculate each. Buy one extra box from the same lot number so the color matches if you need repairs later.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra flooring should I buy?
Ten percent is a common allowance. Use 15 percent for diagonal layouts or complicated rooms.
How many square feet are in a box of laminate flooring?
It depends on the product, but many boxes cover about 20 square feet. Check the box and enter its coverage above.
Is the cost shown the total installed price?
No. It covers the flooring only. Underlayment, trim and labor are extra.