Flooring Area in Square Feet Calculator

Flooring Area in Square Feet Calculator

Calculate the square footage of flooring needed for your project, estimate materials with waste factor, and determine total costs. Perfect for planning home renovation projects.

Room Measurement

Rectangle
L-Shape
Irregular
Add exclusions (doors, fixtures, etc.)

Material Cost Estimation

Visualization

How to Measure for Flooring

Step 1: Measure each room

Measure the length and width of each room at the widest points. For irregular rooms, break the area into rectangles and measure each section separately.

Step 2: Calculate square footage

Multiply the length by the width of each rectangular section to get the square footage. For irregular rooms, add up the square footage of each section.

Step 3: Account for waste

Add 5-10% extra for cutting waste and mistakes. If your flooring has patterns or you’re installing diagonally, consider adding up to 15-20% extra.

Step 4: Calculate cost

Multiply the total square footage (including waste factor) by the cost per square foot of your chosen flooring material.

Flooring Types and Considerations

TypeCost Range (per sq ft)DurabilityMaintenance
Vinyl$1 – $5Medium to HighEasy – just sweep and mop
Laminate$2 – $8Medium to HighEasy – sweep, dry/damp mop
Hardwood$5 – $15+HighModerate – regular cleaning, periodic refinishing
Tile$3 – $20+Very HighEasy – sweep and mop, occasional grout cleaning
Carpet$2 – $12Low to MediumHigh – regular vacuuming, periodic deep cleaning

FAQ

How do I calculate flooring for an L-shaped room?
Divide your L-shaped room into two rectangles. Measure the length and width of each rectangle, calculate the area of each (length × width), and then add them together to get the total square footage.
Do I need to remove existing flooring before installing new flooring?
It depends on the type of flooring. Some can be installed over existing floors, while others require removal. Factors to consider include floor height, subfloor condition, and manufacturer recommendations. Always check the installation guidelines for your specific flooring product.
How much waste factor should I include?
As a general rule, add 5-10% for straight installations and 15-20% for diagonal installations or patterned flooring. Complex room shapes may require additional material. It’s always better to have a little extra material than not enough.
How do I calculate flooring for a room with closets?
Include closets in your measurements if you’ll be installing the same flooring in them. Measure the closet as a separate rectangle and add its square footage to the main room’s square footage.