Guide

How to Measure a Room for Flooring

Measuring a room for flooring is simple for a rectangle and only slightly harder for awkward shapes. Do it carefully and you'll order the right amount first time.

The basic method

Measure the length and width of the room in metres at floor level, not at skirting height, because walls are rarely perfectly straight. Multiply them together for the area in square metres. Measure at two or three points along each wall and use the largest figure to be safe.

L-shaped and awkward rooms

Split the room into rectangles, measure each one, and add the areas together. For alcoves, chimney breasts and doorways, include the floor area you'll actually cover — flooring usually runs into doorways to meet a threshold bar.

Add waste

Never order exactly your measured area. Add 10% for a straight-laid rectangular room, or 15% for diagonal and herringbone patterns or rooms with lots of cuts. This covers offcuts, mistakes and damaged boards.

Turn it into packs

Flooring is sold by the pack, and pack coverage varies by brand. Our flooring cost calculator takes your room size, adds waste and divides by your pack coverage to tell you how many packs to buy and what they'll cost. Keeping a spare pack for future repairs is always wise.