How the flooring calculator works
Boxes = room area × (1 + waste) ÷ coverage per box, rounded up
Example: a 15 × 12 ft living room
The room is 180 square feet. Adding 10% gives 198 square feet. At 20 square feet per box, buy 10 boxes (200 square feet), about $700 at $3.50 per square foot. Two 100 square foot rolls of underlayment cover the floor.
Tips
- Buy all boxes from the same lot so color and finish match.
- Let laminate and hardwood acclimate in the room for 48 hours before installing.
- Keep one spare box for future repairs.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra flooring should I buy?
About 10% for a straight layout in a simple room, 15% for diagonal or herringbone patterns, or rooms with many corners.
Do I need underlayment?
Most floating laminate and some vinyl plank floors need it unless the planks have padding attached. Check the manufacturer's instructions.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-31