Flooring Calculator
Find how many boxes of laminate or vinyl-plank flooring you need from your room's square footage, with a waste allowance for cuts.
How this calculator works
Laminate and vinyl-plank flooring is sold in boxes that cover a set square footage — this calculator uses a default of 20 sq ft per box, a common average, and divides your room’s area by that figure, rounding up to a whole box.
Formula: Boxes = Room area (sq ft) ÷ 20 sq ft per box.
Worked example
A room 15 ft long x 12 ft wide (180 sq ft):
- Area: 15 x 12 = 180 sq ft
- Boxes: 180 ÷ 20 = 9 boxes
- At $45/box, that’s $405.00 before waste.
Coverage reference
| Room area | Boxes needed (20 sq ft/box) |
|---|---|
| 120 sq ft | 6 boxes |
| 180 sq ft | 9 boxes |
| 300 sq ft | 15 boxes |
How to measure your room
Measure the room’s length and width in feet, including closets and any area the flooring will run into. Check your specific product’s box coverage before ordering — it commonly ranges from 15 to 30 sq ft per box — and adjust your order up or down from this calculator’s 20 sq ft default accordingly, plus one extra box for future repairs.
Frequently asked questions
How many boxes of laminate or vinyl plank do I need?
This calculator assumes each box covers about 20 sq ft, a common average for laminate and vinyl-plank flooring. Divide your room's area by the box coverage to get the box count, rounded up since you buy whole boxes.
Does every flooring box cover 20 sq ft?
No — box coverage varies by product, typically 15 to 30 sq ft per box depending on plank size and brand. Check the coverage printed on the box (or the product listing) and adjust this calculator's material settings if your box differs from the 20 sq ft default.
How much waste should I add for flooring?
10% is standard for a straight installation in a simple rectangular room. Diagonal layouts, rooms with lots of doorways or closets, or herringbone patterns typically need 15% or more because of the extra cuts involved.
Should I buy an extra box beyond the waste allowance?
Yes — most flooring pros recommend keeping one full extra box after the installation is done. If a plank gets damaged or scratched later, having matching material from the same production run (or 'lot') makes repairs much easier than trying to match a discontinued color.
Does this include underlayment?
No — this calculator counts flooring boxes only. Underlayment is typically sold by the roll and estimated separately based on your room's square footage; some flooring products include underlayment attached, so check your product spec first.
Estimates only. Verify quantities with your supplier before purchasing.