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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

    Victor November 28, 2018 - 7:48 am

    Can this be used on a popcorn ceiling to cover up? Any of the flooring?

    Reply
    Tyler November 28, 2018 - 1:34 pm

    Hey Victor, I would not recommend that as it would not be completely flat. My apologies.

    Reply
    Pat October 20, 2018 - 12:16 pm

    Hello I have a room that measures 11’long x 10′ wide. I’m looking at laminated flooring the box says it will do 15.93sf. How many boxes would I need.

    Reply
    Tyler October 23, 2018 - 8:51 am

    Hey Pat, thank you for reaching out. Per those dimensions, 7 boxes would cover your flooring needs! Just keep in mind every brand is different square footage per box.

    Reply
    Pat October 20, 2018 - 12:02 pm

    I have a room that 10’wide x11′ long. The box says it will do 15.93 square’ per box, how many boxes wood I need.

    Reply
    Tyler October 23, 2018 - 8:49 am

    Hey Pat, thank you for reaching out. Per those dimensions, 7 boxes would cover your flooring needs! Just keep in mind every brand is different square footage per box.

    Reply
    Dj May 1, 2020 - 4:00 pm

    I have 1256 feet a flooring I’m using us 6 by 36 plank flooring how many boxes do I need

    Reply
    Alana Kane May 6, 2020 - 4:49 am

    Hi DJ, this will depend on how many planks are in each box. You will divide your square footage by the sq.ft. in each box.

    Reply
    Traci Rosevear May 31, 2020 - 1:36 pm

    When measuring rooms should we adjust up for inches? One room is 12′ 2″ x 10′ 6″so should we say 46 sq ft?

    Alana Kane June 1, 2020 - 3:42 am

    Hi Traci, with 5% waste factored in, you will need 134.14 sqft. You can find the sqft by inches here: https://www.bestlaminate.com/room-calculator/

    Deirdre October 11, 2018 - 7:21 am

    My kitchen measurements are 8ft x 9ft. How many boxes would I need including waste?

    Reply
    Viena October 11, 2018 - 4:33 pm

    Hi Deirdre, thanks for reaching out. You will need 77 sq.ft. of flooring for your project, and this will include a 7% waste factor. The number of boxes will depend on what flooring you decide to purchase. Please let us know if you have any other questions!

    Reply
    Dee Tisdale October 3, 2018 - 7:26 pm

    I need 600 square feet how many boxes do i need

    Reply
    Viena October 8, 2018 - 10:29 am

    Hi Dee, thank you for reaching out. The number of boxes you will need for your project will depend on how many square feet are in each box of flooring. You can use our box calculator on the product page by entering the total square footage of your project. Please let us know if you have any other questions!

    Reply
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