Flooring Calculator: How Much Flooring Do I Need?
Work out how much flooring to buy for a room, including a waste allowance for cuts and mistakes. Use it for hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile and carpet, and check the result before you order.
How this calculator works
Flooring needed is the room area multiplied by one plus the waste allowance. A waste allowance of 10 percent suits a rectangular room; allow 12 to 15 percent for a room with angles, a diagonal layout, or a patterned floor. One square foot is 0.092903 square metres. Check how flooring is sold, by the box or by the square foot, and round up to the next whole box.
Related guide: Small Living Room Ideas That Make the Room Feel Bigger
How to use this calculator
- Measure your room carefully — length, width and height — and note doors and windows.
- Enter the numbers above and check the result.
- Round up to the next pack or tin size, and add about 10% for waste and touch-ups.
- Read the full guide: Small living room ideas — it explains the measurements, the mistakes to avoid and the FAQs.
Frequently asked questions
How much flooring do I need?
Measure the room area and add a waste allowance, usually 10 percent for a rectangular room and 12 to 15 percent for a room with angles or a diagonal layout.
What is the waste allowance for flooring?
10 percent is standard for a rectangular room. Allow more for diagonal layouts, patterned floors, and rooms with many corners.
Should I buy extra flooring?
Yes. Keep at least one spare box for future repairs, because flooring batches can vary in colour and may not be available later.
How do I measure a room for flooring?
Measure the length and width, multiply them for the area, and add the waste allowance. For an L-shaped room, split it into rectangles and add the areas.