Flooring Calculator
Add up to four rooms. You'll get total square footage, waste for your layout, the number of boxes to buy, underlayment rolls and baseboard length.
- Tested formulas
- Feet or metric
- Printable shopping list
2 What to buy
Updates as you type| Total floor area | 168 sq ft · 15.6 m² |
|---|---|
| Waste allowance | 10% |
| Flooring needed | 184.8 sq ft |
| Baseboard / quarter round | 52 linear ft (before doorways) |
Shopping list
Quick answer
A 14 × 12 ft room (168 sq ft) needs 185 sq ft of laminate or vinyl plank with 10% waste: 10 boxes at 20 sq ft per box.
Flooring for common room sizes
| Room | Floor area | To buy | Boxes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 100 sq ft | 110 sq ft | 6 |
| 10 × 12 ft | 120 sq ft | 132 sq ft | 7 |
| 12 × 12 ft | 144 sq ft | 158 sq ft | 8 |
| 12 × 15 ft | 180 sq ft | 198 sq ft | 10 |
| 14 × 16 ft | 224 sq ft | 246 sq ft | 13 |
| 16 × 20 ft | 320 sq ft | 352 sq ft | 18 |
| 20 × 25 ft | 500 sq ft | 550 sq ft | 28 |
Straight lay with 10% extra; boxes at 20 sq ft each (check your box). Use the calculator above for your exact size.
How much flooring do I need?
Measure each room's length and width at the widest points and multiply. Include closets and the space under appliances that will sit on the floor. Add the rooms together, then add waste: 10% for a straight lay, 15% for diagonal and 20% for herringbone. Divide by the coverage per box and round up.
Worked example: 14 × 12 ft living room
- Area: 168 sq ft + 10% = 184.8 sq ft
- ÷ 20 sq ft per box = 10 boxes (200 sq ft)
- Underlayment: 2 rolls · baseboard: about 52 ft
Laminate vs. vinyl plank vs. engineered hardwood
| Compare | Laminate | Luxury vinyl plank | Engineered hardwood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water resistance | Resists spills (some are "waterproof") | Fully waterproof | Low: avoid bathrooms |
| Feel | Hard, can sound hollow | Softer, quieter | Real wood |
| Best rooms | Living areas, bedrooms | Kitchens, baths, basements | Living areas, bedrooms |
| Underlayment | Usually needed | Often attached | Depends on install |
Before installing
- Acclimate the boxes in the room for 48 hours (check the manufacturer's instructions).
- Leave an expansion gap of ¼–⅜" at every wall. Baseboard or quarter round hides it.
- Check flatness: most floating floors need the subfloor flat to within 3/16" over 10 ft.
Frequently asked questions
How many boxes of flooring do I need for 500 sq ft?
With 10% waste you need 550 sq ft. At 20 sq ft per box that's 28 boxes (27.5 rounded up).
How much extra flooring should I buy?
10% for straight installs, 15% for diagonal and 20% for herringbone. Keep a spare box for future repairs.
Do I include closets in flooring square footage?
Yes, if the flooring continues into them, which is usual. Skip only the areas under built-in cabinets.
Last reviewed 2026-10-21. See how we calculate for our sources and assumptions.