How to Measure a Floor

Measure flooring square footage and waste for plank, laminate, vinyl, and hardwood.

Break rooms into rectangles

Measure each rectangular area separately. Add closets, hallways, and alcoves as their own rectangles.

Multiply length by width for each section, then add the sections together.

Straight layouts often need about 10% waste. Diagonal layouts, stairs, and complex rooms need more.

Flooring is sold by box. Divide adjusted square footage by square feet per box, then round up.

Do I measure under cabinets?

Usually no for a finished kitchen floor, unless the cabinets will be removed.

How much waste is normal?

Use 10% for simple rooms and 15% or more for diagonal or complex layouts.

Should I buy all boxes at once?

Yes. Buying from the same lot helps color and pattern match.

Open the calculators and enter your dimensions to estimate materials before you shop.