About this calculator
Boxes of laminate, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), engineered or solid hardwood for a room, with waste set by the laying pattern, plus underlay.
How it’s calculated
Boxes = area × (1 + waste) ÷ coverage per box, always rounded up to whole boxes.
Worked example
With these inputs:
- Measure by
- Length × width
- Length
- 15 ft
- Width
- 12 ft
- Coverage per box
- 20 sq ft
- Layout
- Straight, many cuts (10%)
- Include underlay
- Yes
- Price per sq ft
- $3.25
the result is:
- Boxes needed
- 10 boxes
- Room area
- 180 sq ft
- With waste
- 198 sq ft
- Material cost
- $650.00
Tips from the trade
- Buy at least one spare box from the same batch for future repairs.
- Let wood and laminate acclimatise in the room for 48 hours before fitting.
- Leave an expansion gap at every wall. Skirting or base shoe covers it.
Common questions
How much extra flooring should I buy?
About 7–10% for a straight lay, 15% for diagonal and 20% for herringbone.
Results are estimates for planning and pricing. Check quantities against your drawings, the manufacturer’s data and local building codes before ordering.