Why is a Waste Factor Important?
When installing flooring, you will always need more material than the exact square footage of the room. This extra amount is called the "waste factor." It accounts for cuts, mistakes, and the need to match patterns. Having extra material is also crucial for future repairs.
Forgetting to add a waste factor is one of the most common and costly mistakes in a flooring project. Running out of material mid-project can lead to delays and mismatched dye lots.
Recommended Waste Factors
| Flooring Type / Layout | Recommended Waste % |
|---|---|
| Vinyl / Laminate (Straight Layout) | 10% |
| Hardwood (Straight Layout) | 10% - 15% |
| Tile (12x12 or larger) | 10% |
| Tile (Small or complex patterns) | 15% - 20% |
| Any Flooring (Diagonal Layout) | 15% - 20% |
How to Use the Calculator
- Measure the length and width of your room in feet. For non-rectangular rooms, see the FAQ below.
- Enter the price per square foot of your chosen flooring material.
- Select an appropriate waste factor. 10% is standard for simple rooms, but use 15% or more for diagonal layouts or complex room shapes.
- Click "Calculate Flooring" to get your total material needed and the estimated cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my room isn't a simple rectangle?
Divide the room into smaller rectangular sections. Calculate the area of each section (length x width) and add them all together. Use this total as the "Room Area" in a manual calculation or simply enter the dimensions of the largest rectangle in the calculator and add material for the other sections.
Does this calculator tell me how many boxes to buy?
No. This calculator gives you the total square footage to buy. Check the flooring box to see how many square feet it contains, then divide your "Total Material to Buy" number by the square feet per box to find how many boxes you need. Always round up to the next whole box.