Can I mix feet and inches or metric units in the same project?

Yes. Each room can use either feet & inches or meters/centimeters. The calculator converts everything to a common unit behind the scenes and shows totals in square feet and square meters.

How do I calculate flooring for an L-shaped room?

You can either add the L-shaped room as two rectangles, or use the L-shaped room type in the calculator. For the L-shape, enter the overall length and width, then the cut-out dimensions. The calculator subtracts the missing rectangle automatically.

How do I use box coverage in the flooring calculator?

Check the 'Use box coverage' option and enter how many square feet or square meters each box covers. The calculator divides your total area (including waste) by the box coverage and rounds up to the next whole box. It also multiplies by the price per box if you provide it.

Is this flooring calculator accurate enough for real projects?

The calculator uses standard area formulas and lets you add realistic waste percentages, so it is accurate for planning and budgeting. However, always double-check measurements on site and follow manufacturer and local building code recommendations before ordering materials.

Flooring Calculator

Q: How much extra flooring should I order for waste?

For most rectangular rooms with straight lay patterns, 5–8% waste is usually enough. For diagonal layouts, herringbone, or rooms with many corners, 10–15% is safer. Our flooring calculator lets you set any waste percentage and shows both net and total area.

Estimate floor area, waste, material cost, and boxes needed for tile, vinyl, laminate, hardwood, or carpet across multiple rooms.

1. Project settings

Unit system

Each room can still use its own unit details; totals are shown in ft² and m².

Waste allowance (%)

Typical: 5–8% (straight), 10–15% (diagonal/herringbone)

2. Rooms & shapes

Add each room or area you plan to cover. Use L-shape for complex layouts or split into multiple rectangles.

3. Material & cost

Flooring type (optional)

Use box/roll coverage

4. Results

Net floor area (no waste):

0.00 ft²

0.00 m²

Total area with waste:

0.00 ft²

0.00 m²

Estimated boxes/rolls needed:

–

Estimated material cost:

$0.00

How this flooring calculator works

This flooring calculator is designed for real-world projects where rooms are not always perfect rectangles and materials come in boxes or rolls. It supports multiple rooms, mixed units, L-shaped layouts, waste allowance, and cost estimation.

1. Measure your rooms

For each room you can choose between two shapes:

Rectangle – for simple rooms. Measure length and width.
L-shape – for rooms with a corner cut-out. Measure the outer rectangle, then the missing rectangle.

You can enter dimensions in either feet & inches or meters & centimeters. The calculator converts everything internally and shows totals in both square feet and square meters.

2. Area formulas used

Rectangle area

$ A = L \times W $

where:

$ A $ = area
$ L $ = length
$ W $ = width

L-shaped room

$ A_{\text{L}} = A_{\text{outer}} - A_{\text{cut-out}} $

with:

$ A_{\text{outer}} = L_o \times W_o $

$ A_{\text{cut-out}} = L_c \times W_c $

3. Waste allowance

Flooring installations always generate waste due to offcuts, pattern matching, and mistakes. The calculator applies your waste percentage to the total net area:

$ A_{\text{total}} = A_{\text{net}} \times \left(1 + \frac{w}{100}\right) $

where:

$ A_{\text{net}} $ = sum of all room areas
$ w $ = waste percentage
$ A_{\text{total}} $ = area to order

Typical waste values:

5–8% – straight lay, simple rectangular rooms
10–15% – diagonal layouts, herringbone, many corners or obstacles

4. Boxes, rolls and cost

If you know the coverage per box or roll, enable Use box coverage and enter:

Coverage per box/roll – e.g. 20 ft², 2.2 m²
Price per box/roll – e.g. $55
Optionally, price per area – e.g. $3.50/ft² or $37/m²

Boxes or rolls needed

$ N = \left\lceil \dfrac{A_{\text{total}}}{C} \right\rceil $

where:

$ N $ = number of boxes/rolls (rounded up)
$ A_{\text{total}} $ = total area with waste
$ C $ = coverage per box/roll

Material cost

$ \text{Cost}_{\text{boxes}} = N \times P_{\text{box}} $

$ \text{Cost}_{\text{area}} = A_{\text{total}} \times P_{\text{area}} $

5. Tips for accurate flooring estimates

Measure each wall in at least two places and use the larger value to allow for irregularities.
Include closets, hallways, and small connecting areas as separate rooms.
Increase waste for complex patterns, angled layouts, or if you are a DIY installer.
Check manufacturer recommendations for minimum waste and box coverage.
Always round up boxes or rolls – you cannot buy partial boxes.

Example: laminate flooring for two rooms

Suppose you have:

Living room: 15 ft × 12 ft
Hallway: 10 ft × 4 ft
Waste: 8%
Laminate boxes: 20 ft² per box, $50 per box

Net area:

Living room: 15 × 12 = 180 ft²
Hallway: 10 × 4 = 40 ft²
Total net: 220 ft²

With 8% waste:

$ A_{\text{total}} = 220 \times 1.08 = 237.6 \,\text{ft}^2 $

Boxes needed:

$ N = \lceil 237.6 / 20 \rceil = \lceil 11.88 \rceil = 12 $ boxes

Material cost:

$ 12 \times \$50 = \$600 $

Limitations & disclaimer

This tool is for planning and budgeting only. It does not replace professional drawings, on-site measurements, or local building code requirements. Always verify dimensions and material quantities with your installer or supplier before placing an order.

Flooring calculator FAQ

How much extra flooring should I order for waste?

For simple rectangular rooms with straight plank or tile layouts, 5–8% waste is usually enough. For diagonal patterns, herringbone, chevron, or rooms with many corners and obstacles, 10–15% is safer. If you are unsure or cutting the material yourself, lean toward the higher end of the range.

Can I mix feet and inches or metric units?

Yes. Each room can be entered in either feet & inches or meters & centimeters. The calculator converts everything internally and shows totals in both ft² and m² so you can match whatever your supplier uses on their packaging.

How do I handle irregular or curved rooms?

Break the space into simple rectangles or L-shapes that approximate the overall area. Add each section as a separate room in the calculator. For very complex shapes, slightly increase the waste percentage to stay on the safe side.

Is the cost estimate final?

No. Prices vary by brand, quality, region, and time. Use the cost estimate as a planning guide only. Always confirm current prices, taxes, delivery, and installation costs with your supplier or contractor.