How to use this estimate
Use the coverage printed on the exact flooring carton. A box is not a standard area. The allowance accommodates cut ends and damaged pieces; straight layouts and diagonal or herringbone layouts can need different allowances. For adjoining rooms, add their areas rather than doubling both length and width.
The calculation
A worked example
A 12 × 10 ft room with 10% waste requires 132 ft². At 24 ft² per box, buy 6 boxes covering 144 ft².
This is an area-based purchasing estimate, not a plank cutting layout. Underlay, transitions, adhesive, trim and installation are excluded.
Common questions
Why is the purchased area larger than the required area?
Flooring is sold in whole boxes. Rounding happens after waste is added, so some spare material can remain even after allowing for cuts.
How do I include multiple rooms?
Use the square-footage calculator to sum two rectangles, or calculate each room and combine areas before dividing by carton coverage when you can share offcuts.
References & method
Wickes flooring calculator. See how we check calculations. Reference links provide context; no supplier endorses this site.