Flooring Calculator
Work out how many boxes of laminate, vinyl plank or engineered hardwood you need for a room. Enter the room size and the coverage printed on the box to get the number of boxes to buy.
- Total with extra
- 220 sq ft
- Room area
- 200 sq ft
- Coverage you get
- 220 sq ft
How this calculator works
The room area is length × width in square feet. An extra percentage is added for cuts at the walls and around doorways.
The total is divided by the coverage of one box (printed on the packaging) and rounded up, because flooring is sold in whole boxes.
For L-shaped rooms, split the room into rectangles, run the calculator for each and add the results.
Example: a 20 × 10 ft living room
- Room area: 20 × 10 = 200 sq ft.
- Add 10% for cuts: 220 sq ft.
- With boxes of 20 sq ft: 220 ÷ 20 = 11 boxes.
Quick reference
| Installation | Extra to add |
|---|---|
| Straight, simple rectangular room | 5–7% |
| Straight, room with closets or alcoves | 10% |
| Diagonal layout | 15% |
| Herringbone or chevron | 15–20% |
Tips before you buy
- Let laminate and hardwood acclimate in the room for 48 hours before installing.
- Remember the underlayment: it is usually sold by the roll and needs the room area without the extra for cuts.
- Keep one unopened box for future repairs.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra flooring should I buy?
Add about 10% for a typical room. Use 5% for a simple rectangular room and 15% or more for diagonal or herringbone patterns.
How many boxes of flooring do I need for 500 square feet?
With 10% extra you need 550 square feet. If each box covers 20 square feet, that is 28 boxes (27.5 rounded up).
Do I include closets?
Yes, if the flooring will run into them. Measure each closet as a separate rectangle and add it to the room area.
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Last updated October 25, 2026