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How to Calculate Square Footage of a Room

by Bestlaminate
Published: Updated: 53 comments 3 minutes read

Are you planning to buy new flooring? Knowing how to calculate the square footage of a room is crucial. With our free square footage calculator, finding your square footage is a breeze!

To determine how much flooring you need, you must calculate the square footage of all the areas in the room where you’ll install your new floor – even the little nooks and crannies. Simply add up all those measurements for the final amount.

Efficiently plan your flooring project with accurate measurements and thorough checks. Don’t overlook the importance of verifying, particularly when ordering online. To ensure worry-free installation, we advise adding a 5-10% waste factor. This guarantees you’ll have spare flooring for unexpected mishaps, mistakes, damages, or additional planks that might be required. Furthermore, it’s wise to keep some extra flooring on hand, just in case of any future damage or replacement.

Before you place your order, you’ll have to know the square footage of your room and how much flooring comes in each box. Please note that this amount will vary depending on the type of floor and manufacturer.

On the Bestlaminate.com website, entering your needed square footage on any product page will automatically calculate the number of boxes you require. You can also use our room calculator here.

Let’s Get Started!

Calculating square footage is simple! Start by measuring the length and width of your room. Depending on your room’s layout, use one of our methods below to calculate the square footage. Don’t worry if your room isn’t a perfect rectangle – we’ll guide you through various scenarios.

You’ll need:

  • Tape measure
  • Calculator
  • Notepad or device to record measurements
Calculating Square footage of a Room: Step 1 Measure the Dimensions

To determine the length, identify the longest side of the area and attach a measuring tool, such as a tape measure, to one end. Extend it to the opposite end and take note of the measurement.

Next, pinpoint the shortest side of the area to find the width. Repeat the measuring process and record this measurement.

Calculating Square footage of a Room: Step 2 Calculate the Area

You can calculate the area of any space with this simple formula: Area = Length x Width.

It’s as easy as multiplying the length by the width!

If you have a space with multiple areas to measure, don’t worry. Just calculate each area separately and then add them together to find the total area of your project.

Calculating Square footage of a Room: Step 3 Add up Multiple Areas

For projects with multiple spaces, separate areas, or odd dimensions, we suggest breaking it up into separate areas.

Make your project easier to manage with these simple steps:

    1. Divide the room into separate areas, such as “area 1”, “area 2”, “closet.”
    2. Measure each area individually.
    3. Calculate the square footage of each space by multiplying its length by its width.
    4. Add up the calculations of each space to find the total area.

    By breaking up your project into smaller, defined spaces, you’ll have better control and accuracy in your measurements.

    Calculating Square footage of a Room: Step 4 Add Waste Factor

    When purchasing new floors, it’s crucial to consider the waste factor. Adding 5-10% extra to your total square footage ensures you have enough for any errors, damage, or extra cuts that may occur during installation. Don’t run short in the middle of the project!

    Remember, when placing your flooring order, the final square footage will be rounded up or down based on the flooring content in each box. Ensure a smooth and successful project by accounting for the waste factor from the start.

    Calculating square footage has never been easier. Start planning your flooring project today with our helpful tips and tools!

    Still have questions on calculation square footage? Contact one of our flooring experts today!

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    53 comments

    Justin Northrup September 16, 2022 - 2:22 pm

    If I have a room that’s 16.16/+8.2/+6.10/+15.5 how do I calculate that not a square room at all

    Reply
    Rachel Vahcic September 26, 2022 - 9:59 am

    Thanks for your question, Justin. We suggest using our free room calculator tool – https://www.bestlaminate.com/room-calculator/.

    Reply
    Walter July 5, 2022 - 5:27 pm

    If I have 11×14 how many boxes would it take at 20.8 per box.

    Reply
    Rachel Vahcic July 6, 2022 - 9:23 am

    Thanks for your question, Walter! You would need at least 8 boxes of flooring to cover your room. However, we would suggest ordering at least 9 boxes so that you have extra flooring for any cuts you have to make.

    Reply
    House Hunting: First Impressions - Helga-Marie September 30, 2021 - 12:20 pm

    […] can make a space incredibly difficult to visualize. By taking a tape measure to every viewing and measuring each room, you’ll therefore get a far more accurate idea of the size of a space and how your belongings […]

    Reply
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