Calculator
Enter room sizes, plank size, allowance, and optional box or pricing details. Large screens show three columns, smaller screens adapt automatically.
Example data table
Sample inputs and a typical outcome. Your results vary with plank size and waste.
| Scenario | Rooms | Plank size | Waste & pattern | Estimated output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metric Apartment | 5.0 m × 4.0 m (Living), 3.5 m × 3.0 m (Bed) | 1200 mm × 180 mm | 10% + Straight | Needed area ≈ 33.55 sq m, planks ≈ 156 |
| Imperial Office | 18 ft × 12 ft (Open area) | 48 in × 7 in | 12% + Diagonal | Needed area ≈ 279.36 sq ft, planks ≈ 120 |
Formula used
How to use this calculator
- Choose Metric or Imperial to match your tape and product sheet.
- Add one or more rooms and enter length and width for each.
- Enter the plank length and width from the product specification.
- Set waste allowance and select a pattern if needed.
- Optional: add planks per box or box coverage for box counts.
- Click Calculate, review results, then download CSV or PDF.
Room measurement and coverage planning
Accurate inputs drive reliable orders. Measure each space as rectangles and add them as separate rooms. A 20 mm error on both sides of a 5 m by 4 m room shifts area by about 0.18 sq m, which can equal one plank for many common sizes. Record dimensions to the nearest 10 mm or 1/8 in and recheck squareness. Expansion gaps (often 10 mm) do not change area, but they influence trim lengths and undercut planning.
Allowance benchmarks for cutting and layout
Allowance combines your waste setting plus the selected pattern extra. Straight installs often succeed at 7–12% waste. Random layouts add about 3% for end matching. Diagonal work typically needs about 5% more. Herringbone commonly needs about 10% more because both ends are cut frequently. If rooms have many doorways, islands, or angled walls, raise waste to 12–15% for straight installs, and 15–20% for complex layouts with frequent end cuts.
Plank sizing and unit conversion
The calculator converts plank dimensions to the same unit as the rooms before finding coverage. In metric, divide millimeters by 1000 to get meters. In imperial, divide inches by 12 to get feet. Example: 1200 mm × 180 mm covers 0.216 sq m; 48 in × 7 in covers about 2.33 sq ft.
Box strategy and purchasing margin
Box counts are always rounded up to protect scheduling. If your product is 8 planks per box and the estimate is 156 planks, order 20 boxes. If you use box coverage instead, the calculator divides needed area by the stated coverage and rounds up the result. Keeping one spare box is a practical maintenance buffer.
Cost and logistics snapshot
Cost estimates help compare suppliers and packaging. If pricing is per plank, multiply by the plank count. If pricing is per box, multiply by the box count. For example, 156 planks at 2.50 equals 390, while 20 boxes at 49 equals 980, highlighting why packaging details matter for budgeting and storage.
FAQs
How do I account for closets, alcoves, or hallways?
Break irregular spaces into simple rectangles and add each as a separate room row. If an area will not be floored, exclude it or subtract it by entering it as a negative space in your own notes.
Which plank dimensions should I enter?
Use the manufacturer’s stated face dimensions from the specification sheet. Enter face width rather than overall board width with tongues. Consistent product data improves the plank coverage estimate and reduces ordering surprises.
What allowance should I use for diagonal or herringbone installs?
Start with a realistic waste value, then rely on the pattern extra to reflect added cuts. A common approach is 10–12% waste for diagonal and 12–15% waste for herringbone, plus the pattern extra.
Why do box and plank cost estimates differ?
Suppliers may price by box, while coverage can vary with packaging and plank count. Use the method that matches how you will purchase. If you have both prices, compare them to confirm packaging and coverage details.
Can I mix metric rooms with imperial plank sizes?
No. Select one unit system for the full calculation, then enter all measurements in that system. Convert dimensions beforehand if needed to avoid inflated or deflated coverage area.
Why does the calculator show zero boxes?
Box estimates require either planks per box or box coverage area. If both are blank or zero, the calculator still computes planks but cannot infer boxes. Add either value and recalculate.