How do I measure a room that is not a rectangle?

Break the room into smaller rectangles. Measure the length and width of each section. Multiply length times width for each section to get the square footage. Then add all the sections together to get the total square footage.

How much extra flooring should I buy for diagonal installation?

For diagonal installations, you should add 15% extra material. Diagonal layouts create more cuts along the walls, which means more waste compared to a standard straight layout.

Do I need to subtract areas like kitchen islands or bathtubs?

Yes. If there is a permanent fixture like a kitchen island, bathtub, or built-in cabinet, you can subtract that area from your total. However, many installers still recommend keeping a small buffer in case of cutting mistakes.

How do I convert my measurements if my room is in inches?

Divide the number of inches by 12 to get feet. For example, if your room is 150 inches long, divide 150 by 12 to get 12.5 feet. Enter 12.5 into the calculator.

What waste factor should I use for tile flooring?

Use 10% for most tile projects. Tile is more likely to crack during cutting, and you need extra pieces to match patterns. For large-format tiles or complex patterns, use 15% .

How many boxes of flooring do I need to buy?

Take your total square footage (including waste) and divide it by the square footage each box covers. This number is printed on the box. Always round up to the next whole box so you don't run short.

Should I measure my room with or without baseboards?

Measure from wall to wall , not from baseboard to baseboard. Baseboards are usually removed before installation and reinstalled afterward. The flooring goes underneath where the baseboards sit.

Can I use this calculator for stairs?

This calculator is designed for flat, open areas. For stairs, you need to measure each step individually. Multiply the width of the staircase by the depth of the tread plus the height of the riser for each step, then add them all together.

What is the average cost of flooring per square foot?

It depends on the material. Vinyl costs about $1 to $4 per square foot. Laminate runs $2 to $5. Tile is $2 to $7. Hardwood costs $5 to $12 or more. These are material costs only and do not include installation labor.

Do I need underlayment, and does this calculator include it?

Many flooring types like laminate and engineered hardwood need underlayment. This calculator estimates the flooring material only. The good news is that underlayment covers the same square footage as your floor, so you can use the same total from this calculator to buy underlayment.

What if my room has a closet attached to it?

Measure the closet separately. Find its length and width, multiply them together, and add that square footage to the main room total. Enter the combined number into the calculator.

Is it better to have leftover flooring or not enough?

It is always better to have leftover flooring . Extra pieces are useful for future repairs if a plank gets scratched or damaged. Running short during installation can cause delays, and the same batch or color may not be available later.

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Updated on April 15th, 2026

Flooring Calculator

Created By Jehan Wadia