BuildCalc
Flooring Calculator
Project Calculators

Flooring Calculator

Calculate flooring square footage with waste factor and estimated cost.

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How to calculate flooring for any room

  1. For a rectangular room, enter the length and width in feet. The calculator gives you square footage plus the waste factor.

  2. For an L-shaped room, use the two-rectangle option: measure each section separately and add them together.

  3. Set your waste percentage. Straight-lay floors need 5–10%; diagonal or herringbone patterns need 15–20% extra.

  4. Enter the price per square foot to get a total material estimate. Don't forget to add underlayment, adhesive, and transition strips to your budget.

Common uses

  • Estimating hardwood, LVP, or laminate for a new install
  • Calculating tile or carpet square footage for a remodel
  • Getting a material cost estimate before calling a contractor

Frequently asked questions

How much extra flooring should I buy?
Buy 10% extra for straight installations and 15% for diagonal or pattern layouts. Keeping a few spare planks lets you patch damaged boards years later with a matching batch.
How do I measure an L-shaped or irregular room?
Break it into rectangles. Measure each rectangle separately, calculate the square footage of each, then add them together. Add your waste percentage on top of the total.
Should I measure in feet or meters?
Use whatever your flooring is sold in. Most North American products are priced per square foot; European products are often priced per square meter. The calculator handles both.

Not sure whether to DIY this project?

Read our project-by-project guide on when to hire a contractor vs. do it yourself.

Read the guide →

About this calculator

Calculate the total area of your floor in square feet or meters. Supports rectangular and L-shaped rooms. Includes a customizable waste percentage and optional cost estimator.

All results are estimates. Verify quantities with your local supplier and confirm measurements before purchasing materials. Requirements vary by region and project type.

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