How To Calculate Flooring

Calculating how much flooring you need for a room may seem like a daunting task, but it's actually quite simple. With a few simple measurements and calculations, you can ensure that you have the right amount of flooring to complete your project without overspending. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you calculate flooring:

Step 1: Measure the Room
Start by measuring the length and width of the room in feet. For irregularly shaped rooms, divide the area into smaller rectangles or squares and measure each section separately.

Step 2: Calculate the Square Footage
Multiply the length and width of the room to get the area in square feet. For example, if the room is 12 feet long and 10 feet wide, the area is 120 square feet.

Step 3: Add 10% for Waste
When cutting and installing flooring, there will always be some waste. To account for this, add 10% to the total square footage. In our example, 120 square feet + 10% = 132 square feet.

Step 4: Determine the Number of Boxes Needed
Most flooring is sold in boxes that cover a specific number of square feet. Check the box label to determine the coverage area per box. Divide the total square footage needed (132 square feet) by the coverage area per box to get the number of boxes required.

Step 5: Round Up
Always round up to the nearest whole number of boxes. This will ensure that you have enough flooring to complete the project, even if there are unexpected cuts or waste.

Example:
Let's say you have a room that is 12 feet long and 10 feet wide, and you are using flooring that covers 20 square feet per box.

Measure the room: 12 feet x 10 feet
Calculate the square footage: 12 feet x 10 feet = 120 square feet
Add 10% for waste: 120 square feet + 10% = 132 square feet
Determine the number of boxes needed: 132 square feet ÷ 20 square feet/box = 6.6 boxes
Round up: 7 boxes

So, for this room, you would need 7 boxes of flooring.

Calculating flooring is a simple process that can save you time and money. By following these steps, you can ensure that you have the right amount of flooring for your project without any surprises.