Flooring Calculator — Calculate Area, Waste & Cost
Use this Flooring Calculator to accurately estimate how much flooring material you need, factoring in waste and cost per square foot. Enter room dimensions, optional waste percentage, and price to get instant results.
Flooring Calculator
How to Use the Flooring Calculator
This flooring calculator helps you estimate the amount of flooring material you need for your project. Follow these steps:
- Select your preferred unit system (Imperial or Metric)
- Enter room dimensions – for multiple rooms, click “Add Another Room”
- Set waste allowance (typically 5-10% depending on pattern and complexity)
- Enter cost per square foot if you want a cost estimate
- Optionally select a material preset for suggested pricing
- Click “Calculate” to see your results
How to Measure a Room for Flooring
To get accurate measurements:
- Measure the length and width of each room at the longest points
- For irregularly shaped rooms, break them into rectangular sections
- Measure in feet and inches (or meters and centimeters)
- Account for closets, nooks, and other permanent features
Recommended Waste Percentages
The amount of extra material you need depends on your installation pattern:
- Straight layout: 5-7% waste
- Diagonal layout: 10-15% waste
- Herringbone pattern: 15-20% waste
- Complex rooms with many cuts: Add 2-5% extra
Typical Cost Ranges by Material Type
Flooring costs vary widely based on material quality and brand:
- Vinyl Plank: $2-5 per sq ft – Durable, water-resistant, easy installation
- Laminate: $1-3 per sq ft – Affordable, scratch-resistant, DIY-friendly
- Engineered Hardwood: $4-10 per sq ft – Stable, can be refinished once or twice
- Solid Hardwood: $8-15 per sq ft – Long-lasting, can be refinished multiple times
- Tile: $5-20 per sq ft – Highly durable, wide variety of styles
- Carpet: $3-10 per sq ft – Soft, warm, many color options
FAQs
How much extra flooring should I buy?
It’s recommended to purchase 5-10% extra material for straight layouts and 10-20% for diagonal or patterned layouts. This accounts for cutting waste, mistakes, and future repairs.
How do I measure a room for flooring?
Measure the length and width of the room at their longest points. Multiply these measurements to get the square footage. For irregular rooms, divide into rectangles, calculate each area separately, then sum them.
Should I buy by the box or by square foot?
Flooring is typically sold by the box, with each box covering a specific square footage. Use our calculator to determine how many boxes you’ll need, then round up to the nearest whole box.
What is the difference between vinyl, laminate and hardwood costs?
Vinyl and laminate are generally more affordable ($1-5 per sq ft) while hardwood ranges from $4-15 per sq ft. Hardwood offers the longest lifespan and can be refinished, while vinyl provides better water resistance.
How does pattern affect waste percentage?
Straight layouts create the least waste (5-7%). Diagonal patterns require more cuts, increasing waste to 10-15%. Complex patterns like herringbone can create 15-20% waste due to the numerous angled cuts.