Laminate Flooring Calculator
Calculate laminate flooring planks, boxes, and cost with waste factor.
Area = Length x Width\nArea with Waste = Area x (1 + Waste%/100)\nPlank Area (sq ft) = (Length x Width in inches) / 144\nPlanks Needed = Area with Waste / Plank Area\nBoxes = Area with Waste / Sq Ft per Box
Example:\nRoom: 20 ft x 15 ft = 300 sq ft\nWaste: 10%\nPlanks: 48 inch x 6 inch = 2 sq ft each\n\nArea with Waste = 300 x 1.10 = 330 sq ft\nPlanks = 330 / 2 = 165 planks\nBoxes (20 sq ft/box) = 330 / 20 = approx 17 boxes
How much waste factor should I use?
10% for simple rectangular rooms, 15-20% for complex layouts with angles, cuts, or pattern matching.
How many planks are in a box?
Varies by manufacturer. Common: 8-10 planks per box, covering 18-22 sq ft. Check product specifications.
Do I need underlayment?
Yes, most laminate requires foam underlayment for moisture barrier, sound dampening, and smoothing minor subfloor imperfections.
What direction should I lay planks?
Parallel to longest wall or perpendicular to floor joists. Follow light direction for best visual effect.
Can I install over existing flooring?
Often yes, over vinyl or linoleum if level. Remove carpet. Check manufacturer guidelines and ensure subfloor is suitable.
🔗 Related Calculators
📐 Formula
Area = Length x Width\nArea with Waste = Area x (1 + Waste%/100)\nPlank Area (sq ft) = (Length x Width in inches) / 144\nPlanks Needed = Area with Waste / Plank Area\nBoxes = Area with Waste / Sq Ft per Box
📝 Example Calculation
Example:\nRoom: 20 ft x 15 ft = 300 sq ft\nWaste: 10%\nPlanks: 48 inch x 6 inch = 2 sq ft each\n\nArea with Waste = 300 x 1.10 = 330 sq ft\nPlanks = 330 / 2 = 165 planks\nBoxes (20 sq ft/box) = 330 / 20 = approx 17 boxes
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much waste factor should I use?▼
10% for simple rectangular rooms, 15-20% for complex layouts with angles, cuts, or pattern matching.
How many planks are in a box?▼
Varies by manufacturer. Common: 8-10 planks per box, covering 18-22 sq ft. Check product specifications.
Do I need underlayment?▼
Yes, most laminate requires foam underlayment for moisture barrier, sound dampening, and smoothing minor subfloor imperfections.
What direction should I lay planks?▼
Parallel to longest wall or perpendicular to floor joists. Follow light direction for best visual effect.
Can I install over existing flooring?▼
Often yes, over vinyl or linoleum if level. Remove carpet. Check manufacturer guidelines and ensure subfloor is suitable.