Flooring Square Footage Calculator
Calculate total area and material requirements for your renovation
Standard is 10%, use 15% for patterns
Net Floor Area:
0 sq ft
Waste Allowance:
0 sq ft
Total Sq Ft to Purchase:
0 sq ft
Estimated Material Cost:
$0.00
How to Use the Flooring Square Footage Calculator
Accurately measuring your room is the most critical step in a flooring project. To use this calculator, simply enter the maximum length and width of your room. If you have an L-shaped room, it is best to divide it into two rectangles and calculate each separately.
Understanding the Waste Factor
When buying flooring, you should always order more than the exact square footage of the room. This "Waste Factor" accounts for:
- Cuts: Planks or tiles cut to fit against walls or corners.
- Mistakes: Occasional incorrect cuts during installation.
- Defects: Naturally occurring knots in wood or chipped tiles.
- Pattern Matches: Herringbone or diagonal patterns require more cuts and usually a 15% waste factor.
Flooring Estimation Example
If you have a room that is 12 feet long and 10 feet wide:
- Net Area: 12 x 10 = 120 square feet.
- Waste (10%): 120 x 0.10 = 12 square feet.
- Total Needed: 120 + 12 = 132 square feet.
- Cost: At $5.00/sq ft, your total would be $660.00.
Common Flooring Types and Considerations
| Flooring Type | Recommended Waste % |
|---|---|
| Laminate / Vinyl Plank | 5% – 10% |
| Hardwood (Straight) | 10% |
| Tile (Standard) | 10% – 15% |
| Diagonal / Herringbone | 15% – 20% |