How to measure flooring
Measure each room at the longest length and widest width. For closets, alcoves, and landings, add separate room entries or enter a known measured area.
Method
Net area = sum of room areas
Adjusted flooring = net area x (1 + waste allowance)
Boxes = adjusted flooring / coverage per box, rounded up
Purchased coverage = boxes x coverage per box
Adjusted flooring = net area x (1 + waste allowance)
Boxes = adjusted flooring / coverage per box, rounded up
Purchased coverage = boxes x coverage per box
Assumptions
- Box coverage is the coverage printed by the product manufacturer.
- Box pricing uses whole boxes, not exact square footage.
- Underlayment rolls are estimated from net room area.
- Layout pattern, damaged boards, thresholds, trim, stairs, and subfloor repairs are not included.
FAQs
Why does the calculator round up boxes?
Flooring is typically purchased by whole cartons. The calculator uses the whole-box purchase quantity for purchased coverage and box pricing.
What waste allowance should I use?
Many plank flooring projects use about 5% to 10%. Diagonal layouts, lots of closets, and complicated transitions can require more.
Does this include trim and transitions?
No. Baseboards, quarter round, stair nosing, reducers, thresholds, adhesive, and fasteners are separate project items.