Flooring calculator
Calculate packs of laminate or floorboards based on area and waste.
Flooring calculator
Calculate how many packs of laminate or floorboards you need based on room dimensions, pack size and waste.
Check packaging — varies by product
Allowance for cutting and defects
Typically 10–15 m² per roll
Your flooring project
10 packs laminate for 20 m² + 2 rolls underlay
Area
20 m²
Floor type
Laminate
Incl. waste
22 m²
Underlay
2 rolls
Packs
10
Materials
10 × 2.2 m² = 22 m² (need: 22 m²)
2 × 10 = 20 m² for 20 m² floor
ℹThe result is an estimate based on room dimensions, pack coverage and waste.
ℹFor irregular rooms, diagonal laying and many cuts the actual waste may be higher.
Example: 20 m² room
If a room is 5 × 4 metres (20 m²) and each pack covers 2.2 m² with 10 % waste, you need 10 packs of flooring. Including underlay at 10 m² per roll, you also need 2 rolls of underlay.
Calculation for a 5 × 4 metre room with laminate:
For diagonal laying or many corners the waste percentage may be higher than 10 %.
How to calculate flooring and laminate
Waste is important when laying flooring
Regardless of floor type, boards or planks must be cut at walls, door frames and corners. 10 % extra is a good starting point for a rectangular room. For diagonal laying, many niches or angled walls consider increasing to 15 %.
Pack coverage varies
Each pack of laminate or click flooring covers a certain number of m² — typically between 1.5 and 3 m². Always check the packaging, as it depends on plank size and product. The calculator uses your entered pack coverage.
Irregular rooms increase requirements
A simple rectangular room is easiest to calculate. If the room has niches, columns, angled walls or many door frames, more cuts are needed — meaning more waste. Consider increasing the waste percentage in such cases.
Underlay should often be included
Most laminate and click floors require underlay to dampen sound, level the substrate and protect against moisture. Underlay is laid across the entire room area without overlap. Some flooring products have integrated underlay — in that case you can disable it in the calculator.
How to use this calculator
Four quick steps – you don't need to be a tradesperson to follow them.
- Measure the room length and width – the calculator does the area for you.
- Enter how many m² come per pack of flooring or laminate (it's on the pack).
- Add waste: 5 % for straight layouts, 10–15 % for diagonal or staggered patterns.
- Check the pack count and always round up – packs are sold whole.
Common mistakes
Small things that often cost an extra trip to the hardware store.
- Buying exactly enough – you'll almost always want one spare pack.
- Skipping the subfloor check – an uneven base leads to clicking laminate over time.
- Not letting the flooring acclimatise for 1–2 days in the room before laying.
- Underestimating moisture – use a vapour barrier where it's needed.
Example: an 18 m² living room
An 18 m² living room with 2.2 m² per pack works out to 9 packs by area. Add 8 % waste and you're at 10 packs. Order one spare and stash it for future repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions we hear most often about this calculator.
How much waste should I plan for?
5 % for a normal rectangular room. 10 % for staggered layouts or rooms with angles, and 15 % for diagonal patterns.
Should I keep extra packs?
Yes – at least one. If a plank gets damaged later, matching the batch and colour shade is hard.
What about underlay and skirting?
The calculator focuses on the flooring itself. Plan underlay, vapour barrier and skirting separately.
Should the flooring acclimatise?
Yes – leave it packed in the room for 1–2 days before laying so it adjusts to the temperature and humidity.
Use the results in a real project
With MyPlanDIY you can save materials, create budgets, track tasks and bring everything together in one project.
No credit card required. Free demo project included.
See also
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