How to measure flooring for a project
Room-by-room measuring plus the right waste factor prevents shortages.
Flooring estimates start with accurate area. The best approach is to measure each room separately, then add them together.
After area, the most important decision is your waste factor. Cutting patterns, diagonal installs, and small rooms can increase waste.
Measuring checklist
- Measure length and width of each room (or break L-shapes into rectangles).
- Sum all room areas for total square footage (or square meters).
- Confirm product coverage per box and convert area to boxes.
- Add a waste factor before you round up to whole boxes.
Picking a waste factor
A common range is 5–15%. Closer to 5% works for simple, square rooms with straight installs. Closer to 10–15% is safer for lots of cuts, angled layouts, or complex rooms.
Calculate boxes and cost
Use the flooring calculator to estimate boxes and optional cost.
FAQ
Why do I need a waste factor?
Cuts, offcuts, defects, and future repairs all require extra material beyond the exact measured area.
Should I include closets?
Yes—measure them like any other space. Small areas often increase cutting waste, so your waste factor matters more.
What if my rooms are not perfect rectangles?
Split the shape into rectangles, measure each piece, and add them. This is usually more accurate than guessing a single overall dimension.
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