Results update as you type. Round up when ordering.
Based on 20 sq ft per box, typical for laminate and vinyl plank. Check the carton.
Formula checked against manufacturer specs
Rounded up to whole units
Runs in your browser
How much flooring to buy
Multiply room length by width for square footage, add waste for end cuts, then divide by the coverage printed on the box (laminate and vinyl plank boxes commonly hold 15–25 sq ft). Always round up to whole boxes.
Example: 15 × 12 ft = 180 sq ft. Plus 10% = 198 sq ft ÷ 20 sq ft/box = 9.9 → 10 boxes.
Waste factor guide
Straight lay in a rectangular room: 7–10%
Diagonal, herringbone or many angles/closets: 15%+
Hardwood with natural grade variation: 10–15% so you can cull boards
Before you install
Let laminate and wood acclimate in the room per the manufacturer's instructions (often 48 hours), leave the expansion gap specified (typically about 1/4 in) at walls, and check the slab or subfloor flatness tolerance in the install guide. Keep a spare box for repairs.
It uses the standard formula shown on this page and rounds bags, boxes and pieces up to whole units. Product sizes vary by brand, so confirm with the label or your supplier before you buy.
Should I buy extra material?
Yes. A 5–10% allowance covers cuts, spills and uneven surfaces; running short mid-job usually costs more than a few leftovers.
Is this calculator free?
Yes. Every PorchMath calculator is free, needs no account and runs entirely in your browser.