Laminate Calculator

Estimate how much laminate you need by area and depth — plus bags and total cost. Switch between imperial and metric units.

Laminate Calculator

Estimate how much you need — and the cost.

Area shape
You need
108 sq ft
6 boxes
Also equals
  • sq meters 10.03

Quick coverage reference

Boxes = round up (room area × (1 + waste) ÷ sq ft per box). Laminate boxes commonly cover about 20 sq ft — use the figure on your product.

How it's calculated

  • Add about 8–10% for a straight floating install; 15% for diagonal layouts or rooms with many corners.

Source: inchcalculator.com/laminate-flooring-calculator/ (waste factors cross-checked)

Embed this calculator on your site

Free to use — copy the code below into your page. It includes a small attribution link back to BuildCalc.

<!-- BuildCalc Laminate Calculator -->
<iframe
  src="https://buildcalc.xyz/embed/laminate-calculator/"
  title="Laminate Calculator by BuildCalc"
  loading="lazy"
  style="width:100%;max-width:480px;height:720px;border:0;border-radius:16px"
  data-buildcalc></iframe>
<p style="font:13px/1.45 system-ui,sans-serif;max-width:480px;margin:6px auto 0;text-align:center">
  Powered by <a href="https://buildcalc.xyz/laminate-calculator/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BuildCalc Laminate Calculator</a>
</p>
<script>
(function(){window.addEventListener('message',function(e){
  if(!e.data||e.data.type!=='buildcalc:embed-height')return;
  var f=document.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-buildcalc]');
  for(var i=0;i<f.length;i++){if(f[i].contentWindow===e.source){f[i].style.height=e.data.height+'px';}}
});})();
</script>

How much laminate flooring do I need?

Laminate is sold by the box, each covering a set area — commonly around 20 sq ft. Because it's a floating floor of click-together planks, you start from the room area, add a waste allowance for cuts, then divide by the coverage per box.

Use area needed = room area (sq ft) × (1 + waste%), then boxes = area needed ÷ coverage per box (rounded up). An 8–10% waste factor suits a straight floating install; diagonal layouts and choppy rooms need 15%. Enter your room size, waste, and the coverage on your product to get the box count.

How to measure for laminate

Measure each room

Length × width in feet. Measure rooms separately and include closets and doorways the floor runs through.

Add a waste factor

8–10% for a straight floating install; 15% for diagonal layouts or rooms with many corners and angles.

Enter box coverage

Read the square feet per box off the product (often about 20) and enter it so the calculator counts boxes.

Round up to whole boxes

Laminate sells in full boxes, so the result rounds up. Keep a spare box for future repairs.

Laminate buying tips

Acclimate before laying

Let laminate sit in the room 48 hours before installing so the planks adjust to temperature and humidity and do not buckle later.

Underlayment is separate

Most laminate needs a foam or cork underlayment underneath — calculate that by the same room area, separately from the planks.

Leave an expansion gap

Floating floors expand and contract. Leave a small gap at the walls (hidden by trim), which is why a waste margin matters.

Laminate calculator FAQ

How much extra laminate should I buy?

Add 8–10% for a straight floating install, or about 15% for diagonal layouts and rooms with lots of corners.

How many boxes of laminate do I need?

Multiply the room area by 1 + your waste percentage, then divide by the square feet per box (often around 20) and round up.

How many square feet are in a box of laminate?

It varies by product, but many laminate boxes cover about 20 sq ft. Check the box, as plank size changes the figure.

Do I need underlayment under laminate?

Usually yes, unless the planks have it attached. Buy underlayment to match the room area — it is separate from the flooring boxes.

Can I install laminate over existing flooring?

Often yes, over a hard, flat, dry surface like vinyl or tile. You still need underlayment and an expansion gap at the walls.