Flooring Calculator
Calculate flooring material with waste factor for any room.
Results
Getting the right amount of flooring means accounting for waste from cuts, breakage and pattern matching. A simple rectangular room with straight-lay flooring needs about 5% extra, while diagonal patterns or rooms with many corners require 10-15%. This calculator gives you the total flooring needed including your chosen waste factor, plus the number of standard boxes to order. Most laminate and hardwood comes in boxes covering about 20 sq ft.
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Frequently asked questions
For a standard rectangular room with straight-lay installation, add 10%. Diagonal layouts, herringbone patterns or rooms with lots of angles need 15%. Simple closets or square rooms can get away with 5%.
Most laminate and engineered hardwood boxes cover about 20 sq ft, though this varies by manufacturer. Check the box label - some premium products come in smaller boxes of 15-18 sq ft.
Yes, always try to buy from the same production lot. Wood and laminate can vary in shade between batches. Order everything at once and keep a few extra planks for future repairs.
Split the room into two rectangles, calculate each area separately and add them together. Then apply your waste percentage to the combined total.
Tile waste is typically 10-15% because tiles crack during cutting and you need full pieces at edges. Large-format tiles in small rooms produce more waste than small tiles. Diagonal tile layouts need 15-20% extra.