Laminate Flooring Calculator
Calculate how many boxes of laminate flooring you need, plus underlayment and accessories. Includes waste factors and costs.
How to Use This Calculator
Laminate flooring is sold in boxes, and calculating the right quantity prevents both shortages and excess inventory. Here's how to estimate accurately:
- Measure your room length and width in feet. For irregular rooms, divide into rectangles and sum the areas.
- Enter the square feet per box from the product packaging (typically 20-25 sq ft).
- Select your plank size to help estimate the number of planks included.
- Choose waste factor: 10% for rectangular rooms, 15% for complex layouts.
- Check if you need underlayment (required unless pre-attached to planks).
Why This Matters
Laminate flooring offers excellent value with the look of hardwood at a fraction of the cost. Accurate material estimates ensure you buy enough from the same lot to maintain color consistency, while avoiding wasteful overpurchasing. Most stores allow returns of unopened boxes, but color matching later can be problematic.
- Calculate exact boxes needed with waste allowance
- Know plank quantities for planning cuts
- Include underlayment for floating installations
- Estimate transition strips and baseboards
- Budget accurately with total cost estimates
Worked Examples
Standard Bedroom
A 12' x 14' bedroom using boxes with 20 sq ft each and 10% waste.
Open Concept Living Area
A 25' x 30' combined living/dining area with 15% waste for diagonal pattern.
Multiple Room Installation
Three bedrooms: 10x12, 11x13, and 12x14 with standard 10% waste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not checking square feet per box - this varies significantly between brands and products.
- Forgetting underlayment - it's required for floating laminate installations.
- Underestimating waste - complex room shapes and diagonal patterns need more material.
- Not acclimating planks - leave boxes in the room for 48 hours before installation.
- Ignoring expansion gaps - laminate needs 1/4 to 3/8 inch gap around all walls.