Laminate Flooring Calculator
Laminate flooring floats over the subfloor on a click-lock system without nails or glue — making it one of the most DIY-friendly flooring options. This calculator handles any plank size by letting you enter the actual box coverage (check the product label — typically 20–25 sq ft per box), applies a waste factor for cuts at walls and doorways, and estimates underlayment rolls if not pre-attached. A 1/4-inch expansion gap must be maintained around the perimeter (covered by baseboard or quarter-round), and the floor must not be glued down or otherwise fastened. Over concrete, always use a 2-in-1 underlayment with a built-in vapor barrier. Laminate cannot be refinished like hardwood, but quality products carry 25+ year wear warranties and resist scratches, fading, and moisture better than solid wood.
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Top PickLaminate Flooring — Home Depotfrom $0.99/sq ft* Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
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How to Use This Calculator
- 1Enter your measurements in the fields above. Use the units shown next to each field (ft, in, etc.).
- 2Click Calculate to get your material estimate instantly.
- 3Review the highlighted result — it shows the key quantity you need to order.
- 4Use Copy Results to save your estimate, or bookmark the URL — your inputs are encoded in the link.
Pro tip: Always add 10% to your material order to account for waste, cuts, and defects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many boxes of laminate do I need for a 14×11 room?
A 14×11 room is 154 sq ft. With 10% waste, you need 170 sq ft of laminate. At 22 sq ft per box, that's 8 boxes. Round up — returning unused boxes is almost always possible, but running short mid-project means a second trip and possible dye-lot mismatch.
Do I need underlayment under laminate flooring?
Yes, unless the laminate has pre-attached foam backing. Underlayment provides sound dampening, slight cushioning, and a moisture vapor barrier. A 2-in-1 underlayment with a vapor barrier is recommended over concrete subfloors.
Can laminate flooring be installed in a bathroom?
Standard laminate is water-resistant, not waterproof — prolonged standing water at the seams will cause swelling. Waterproof core laminate (WPC or SPC) is specifically engineered for bathrooms and kitchens and can handle water at the joints. Check the product specification before installing in wet areas.
How long does laminate flooring last?
Quality laminate flooring lasts 15–25 years in residential use. The wear layer thickness determines durability: 6mm AC1 is for light residential use; 8mm AC3 is the standard for normal residential traffic; 10–12mm AC4 or AC5 is suitable for heavy residential and light commercial. Unlike hardwood, laminate cannot be sanded and refinished when worn.