Flooring

Flooring projects reward careful measuring. A small error in square footage can mean an extra trip to the store or an order that is short by a box. These guides and calculators walk through measuring a room and converting that measurement into flooring or tile you can order.

Flooring calculators

Flooring CalculatorTurn room dimensions and a waste allowance into square footage and boxes of flooring.Open calculator →Tile CalculatorEstimate the number of tiles and boxes for a floor or wall at any tile size.Open calculator →Square Footage CalculatorFind the square footage of a rectangular space and convert between common units.Open calculator →

Flooring guides

How to Calculate Flooring Square FootageThe measuring method that prevents short orders: break the space into rectangles, measure twice, and add a waste allowance.Read guide →How Much Flooring Do I Need?Square footage is only half the answer. This guide shows how to turn it into boxes using the coverage printed on the carton.Read guide →Vinyl vs Laminate FlooringBoth are popular, affordable choices, but they behave differently around water. Here is how to choose.Read guide →How Much Does Flooring Installation Cost?Flooring quotes vary with material, prep, and labor. Learn what to compare so you are not surprised later.Read guide →

What to know before you buy

Always add a waste allowance

Cuts, defects, and future repairs mean you should order more flooring than the measured area. Ten percent is a common starting point; diagonal layouts and rooms with many corners need more.

Check the carton coverage

Flooring and tile are sold by the box, and the coverage per box varies by product. Divide your total square footage by the coverage printed on the carton to get the number of boxes.

Acclimate before installing

Many flooring products need to sit in the room before installation so they adjust to the indoor temperature and humidity. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid gaps or buckling.