Flooring Calculator
Calculate how many packs of flooring or parquet boards you need, based on room size, coverage per pack and recommended waste.
How to use the flooring calculator
- Enter the length and width of the room getting new flooring.
- Enter how many square meters one pack covers — check the product packaging.
- Enter your desired waste percentage — 10 % is common for straight laying.
How the pack count is calculated
The calculator first adds waste to the area, then divides by the coverage per pack, rounded up to whole packs:
Since you can only buy whole packs, the actual coverage will often end up slightly larger than the area with waste — the calculator shows you this actual coverage so you know how much surplus you'll have.
Expansion gap — why the floor has to be able to move
Wood and laminate floors expand and contract with humidity through the year, and the movement can amount to several millimetres across the width of a room. Such floors are therefore laid floating, with a gap against every wall and fixed installation, covered by skirting. Lay tight against the wall and the floor has nowhere to go when it expands, and the result is buckling in the middle.
The gap has to be there all the way round, including against door frames, pipe penetrations and thresholds. Large rooms or long continuous runs additionally need transition profiles to break up the movement. This calculator works out the floor area itself — skirting, underlay and any transitions come in addition, and should not be deducted from the waste allowance.
Frequently asked questions
How much waste should I account for with flooring?
10 % is a common rule of thumb for straight laying in a simple rectangular room. For diagonal laying, pattern laying, or rooms with many corners and alcoves, budget 15 % or more.
Should I buy a bit extra beyond the calculated amount?
Yes, it's recommended to keep a few boards or planks in reserve for future repairs, since color shades and production batches can vary over time.
How does laying direction affect material use?
Laying diagonally or in a pattern such as herringbone produces significantly more cutoff and therefore higher waste than straight laying along or across the room. Plan your laying direction before calculating the amount.