LVT Flooring Calculator
Estimate the amount of Luxury Vinyl Tile or Plank flooring needed for your project.
How to Calculate LVT Flooring Requirements
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) are among the most popular flooring choices today due to their durability and water resistance. However, ordering the correct amount is crucial to avoid project delays or wasting money on excessive overstock.
Step 1: Measure Your Room
Measure the length and width of the room in feet. Multiply these two numbers to get the base square footage. For example, a 10ft x 12ft room equals 120 square feet.
Step 2: Account for Waste
Professional installers always recommend adding a 10% waste factor. This accounts for cuts, mistakes, and "ends" that cannot be reused. If your room is complex with many corners or if you are laying the LVT on a diagonal pattern, increase this to 15%.
Step 3: Calculate Boxes
LVT is sold in boxes, not individual planks. You must divide your total square footage (including waste) by the "Sq Ft Per Box" listed on the product packaging. Always round up to the nearest whole box.
Real-World Example
Imagine you have a living room that is 15 feet long and 20 feet wide. Your chosen LVT product covers 22.5 square feet per box and costs $4.00 per square foot.
- Base Area: 15 × 20 = 300 sq ft
- With 10% Waste: 300 + 30 = 330 sq ft
- Boxes Needed: 330 ÷ 22.5 = 14.66 (Round up to 15 boxes)
- Total Area Purchased: 15 boxes × 22.5 = 337.5 sq ft
- Total Cost: 337.5 × $4.00 = $1,350.00
Expert Installation Tips
Before installing your LVT, ensure your subfloor is perfectly level. Any bumps or dips can cause the click-lock mechanisms of the vinyl planks to fail over time. Additionally, let your LVT acclimate in the room for at least 48 hours before installation to prevent expansion or contraction issues.