Laminate Flooring Calculator

Please fill in the required fields with values greater than 0.
–room area (sq ft)
–boxes needed
–underlayment rolls (100 sq ft)
–room perimeter (ft)

Estimate only. Also works for vinyl plank and engineered wood. Check the box for the exact coverage.

How to use this calculator

Enter the room size, the waste allowance and the coverage printed on the box. Press Calculate to see the boxes of laminate, the rolls of underlayment and the room perimeter for trim.

The formula

Boxes = room area × (1 + waste %) ÷ coverage per box (rounded up)
Underlayment rolls = room area ÷ 100 sq ft
Perimeter = 2 × (length + width)

Example: A 15 ft × 12 ft room is 180 sq ft. With 10% waste and 20 sq ft boxes you need 10 boxes and 2 rolls of 100 sq ft underlayment. The perimeter is 54 ft.

Planning your laminate flooring order

The calculator gives you the boxes, underlayment rolls and trim length for one room. These numbers form your shopping list. Before you buy, check a few details that can change the count or the final cost.

Worked examples

The example room above is 15 ft by 12 ft. It covers 180 square feet. With 10 percent waste, that is 198 square feet. At 20 square feet per box, it rounds up to 10 boxes. It also needs 2 rolls of underlayment and about 54 feet of trim.

Now take a 14 ft by 11 ft bedroom laid on a diagonal. The area is 154 square feet. With 15 percent waste, that is about 177 square feet. With boxes that cover 22 square feet, you need about 8.05 boxes, so you buy 9. If one box costs $45, the planks cost about $405 before tax.

What changes the amount you need

  • Layout: Straight layouts waste the least. Diagonal and herringbone patterns waste more.
  • Room shape: Rooms with many corners, closets or angled walls need more cuts.
  • Plank length: Longer planks can create more offcuts in small rooms.
  • Box coverage: This varies by product, so always use the number printed on the box.

Tips before you install

  • Check that the subfloor is clean, dry and flat. Most products list how much unevenness is allowed.
  • Leave the expansion gap around the edges that the instructions call for. Baseboard or quarter-round covers it.
  • Mix planks from several boxes as you go so the color and pattern look even.
  • Buy all boxes from the same lot number if you can.
  • Keep one spare box after the job for future repairs.

Common mistakes

  • Skipping the waste allowance and running short on a discontinued style.
  • Forgetting transition strips at doorways and where floors meet other surfaces.
  • Using the full perimeter for trim without subtracting door openings.
  • Installing over damp concrete without a moisture barrier.

Budgeting the whole job

Planks are only part of the cost. Add underlayment, trim, transition strips, a tapping block and pull bar, and a saw blade suited to laminate. If you are hiring an installer, ask whether removing the old floor, moving furniture and disposal are included in the quote.

Frequently asked questions

How much laminate flooring do I need?
Multiply the room length by the width, add 10 percent for waste and divide by the coverage of one box.
Does this work for vinyl plank and hardwood?
Yes. The same method works for any floor sold by the box.
Do I need underlayment?
Most laminate floors need underlayment for sound and moisture protection, unless the planks have it attached.
How much should I add for a diagonal layout?
Add about 15 percent for a diagonal layout.
How do I measure an L-shaped room?
Split the room into rectangles, calculate each area and add them together.
How long does laminate flooring need to acclimate?
Many manufacturers call for about 48 hours in the room where it will be installed. Lay the unopened boxes flat, away from outside walls and heat vents. Keep the room at normal living temperature and humidity. Always follow the time on your product’s instructions, since some products differ.
Which direction should laminate flooring run?
Most people run planks parallel to the longest wall or toward the main light source, such as a large window. This tends to make the room look longer and hides seams. In connected rooms, keep one direction throughout so the floor flows without awkward transitions.
Can you install laminate over existing flooring?
Often yes. Laminate is a floating floor, so it can usually go over vinyl, sheet flooring or tile that is flat, firm and well attached. Remove carpet and padding first. Check the door clearance, since the new floor adds height. Follow the manufacturer’s rules on approved subfloors.