Flooring Calculator
Calculate square footage, boxes, and cost for hardwood, laminate, LVP, or engineered hardwood flooring.
Based on 20 sq ft per box for hardwood. Includes 10% waste. Actual box sizes vary by manufacturer — check product packaging. Cost does not include installation labor.
How It Works
This calculator estimates the total flooring needed based on your room dimensions, waste factor, and flooring type. It tells you how many boxes to buy and the estimated material cost.
Formula: Total Sq Ft = Length × Width × (1 + Waste%). Boxes = Total Sq Ft ÷ Sq Ft Per Box (rounded up). Cost = Total Sq Ft × Cost Per Sq Ft.
Waste accounts for cuts along walls, transitions, and mistakes. Standard box sizes vary by flooring type — hardwood averages 20 sq ft/box, laminate 25 sq ft/box.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how much flooring I need?
Multiply the room length by the room width to get square footage. Add 10% for waste on standard installations (15% for diagonal or complex layouts). Divide the total by the square feet per box to determine how many boxes to buy.
How much flooring waste should I plan for?
Plan for 10% waste on straightforward rectangular rooms with standard layouts. Increase to 15% for L-shaped rooms or diagonal installations, and 20% for herringbone or chevron patterns. Waste covers cuts, mistakes, and future repairs.
How much does it cost to install flooring per square foot?
Material costs vary by type: hardwood $6–$12/sq ft, laminate $2–$5/sq ft, LVP/vinyl plank $3–$7/sq ft, and engineered hardwood $4–$10/sq ft. Professional installation adds $3–$8/sq ft depending on your area and flooring type.
How many square feet are in a box of flooring?
Most flooring boxes cover 20–25 square feet. Hardwood is typically 20 sq ft/box, laminate 25 sq ft/box, LVP 20–24 sq ft/box, and engineered hardwood 20–22 sq ft/box. Always check the specific product packaging for exact coverage.
What is the cheapest type of flooring?
Laminate is the most affordable at $2–$5/sq ft for materials. LVP/vinyl plank is next at $3–$7/sq ft and offers excellent water resistance. Hardwood and engineered hardwood are more expensive but add more resale value to your home.