Flooring Calculator
Estimate square footage and boxes of flooring for a rectangular room with waste allowance.
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How this calculator works
Required flooring = room area × (1 + waste). Boxes = ceiling(required flooring ÷ box coverage).
Worked example
An 18 × 14 ft room with 10% waste needs about 278 sq ft, or 14 boxes at 20 sq ft each.
Measure every floor area and exclusion
Measure each room at the longest usable dimensions, then calculate closets, alcoves, bays, and connected halls separately. Subtract only permanent openings that truly will not receive flooring. Cabinets, islands, and appliances may or may not be installed over the finished floor, so confirm the construction sequence.
For irregular rooms, use the interactive room builder or divide the outline into simple shapes. Keep the measured area separate from the waste-adjusted purchase area.
Convert area into boxes
Use the exact coverage printed on the product box and round up to whole boxes. Directional patterns, diagonal layouts, narrow planks, color selection, and many corners can increase waste. Retaining material from the same dye lot for future repairs may justify one additional unopened box.
Sources & assumptions
Room area is multiplied by the selected waste allowance and divided by the visitor-entered box coverage. Pattern, board width, room shape, matching lots, and product instructions can require more material.
Frequently asked questions
How much waste should I add?
Ten percent is common for straightforward layouts. Diagonal patterns or complex rooms can require more.
Should closets be included?
Yes, if they will receive the same flooring.
Flooring ordering guide
See room-shape measurements, waste scenarios, and whole-carton examples in How much flooring do I need?