Professional Flooring Calculator
Calculation Results
Total Area:
0 sq ft
Total with Waste:
0 sq ft
Boxes Required:
0
Estimated Cost:
$0.00
How to Use the Flooring Calculator
Planning a renovation requires precision to avoid unnecessary costs or mid-project material shortages. This calculator helps you determine exactly how many square feet of flooring material you need, how many boxes to purchase, and the total estimated material cost.
Understanding the Inputs
- Room Dimensions: Measure the length and width of your room at the widest points. If your room is L-shaped, divide it into two rectangles, calculate them separately, and add the totals.
- Waste Factor: It is standard industry practice to add 10% to your total square footage for cutting waste, mistakes, and board selection. For herringbone or diagonal patterns, consider a 15-20% waste factor.
- Sq. Ft. Per Box: Flooring is typically sold in boxes. Check the product specifications of your chosen laminate, hardwood, or vinyl to find this number.
- Material Price: The cost per square foot of the product only (excluding labor).
Flooring Formula
The math used in this tool is as follows:
1. Area = Length × Width
2. Total Needed = Area + (Area × Waste %)
3. Boxes = Total Needed / Sq Ft per Box (Rounded up)
4. Total Cost = Total Needed × Price per Sq Ft
2. Total Needed = Area + (Area × Waste %)
3. Boxes = Total Needed / Sq Ft per Box (Rounded up)
4. Total Cost = Total Needed × Price per Sq Ft
Example Calculation
Imagine you have a room that is 20 feet long and 15 feet wide. You are buying laminate that comes in 22.5 sq ft boxes priced at $3.50 per sq ft with a 10% waste factor.
- Net Area: 20 × 15 = 300 sq ft
- With Waste: 300 + 30 = 330 sq ft
- Boxes: 330 / 22.5 = 14.66 → 15 boxes
- Total Cost: 330 × $3.50 = $1,155.00