How it works
Boxes = total floor area × (1 + waste %) ÷ coverage per box, rounded up. Add each room, or split an L-shaped room into rectangles. Pick your layout to set the waste allowance, and enter the coverage printed on the box.
| Layout | Waste to add | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | 10% | End cuts and the last row |
| Diagonal | 15% | Angled cuts at every wall |
| Herringbone / chevron | 15–20% | Many small cuts and pattern matching |
| Small rooms, lots of corners | +5% | More cuts per square foot |
Measuring tips
- Measure wall to wall at the widest points, and round up to the nearest inch or centimetre.
- Split L-shaped or irregular rooms into rectangles and add each one.
- Include closets, under doors and any area the flooring runs into.
- Don’t subtract kitchen islands or built-ins unless they’re large. The extra counts toward waste.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, including underlayment and transitions, read how much flooring do I need?
FAQ
How much extra flooring should I buy?
Add about 10% for a straight layout, 15% for diagonal, and 15–20% for herringbone or rooms with lots of corners. Keep the leftover boxes for future repairs.
How many square feet are in a box of laminate?
Usually about 15–25 sq ft for laminate and 20–30 sq ft for vinyl plank, but it varies by brand and plank size. It’s printed on the box.
Do I include closets and doorways?
Yes. Measure closets and the floor under door openings as extra areas, and use the “add another area” button.
Should I buy all my flooring at once?
Yes. Boxes from different production runs can differ slightly in colour and fit, so buy everything, including the spare, from the same batch.