How many boxes of flooring do I need?
3 min read · Written by the WFA flooring team · Updated June 2026
Quick answer
Measure each room's length × width to get m², add them together, then add a waste allowance — about 10% for straight planks, 15% for herringbone or rooms with lots of angles. Divide that total by the m² per box shown on the product and round up to the next whole box. Example: 20 m² + 10% = 22 m²; at 2.2 m² per box you need 10 boxes.
Box calculator
You need 10 boxes — 22 m² incl. waste, covering 22 m².
Every product page has this calculator built in with the exact m² per box.
- 1
Measure each room
Measure the length and width of each room in metres (wall to wall, into doorways). Multiply them to get m². Split L-shaped rooms into rectangles.
- 2
Add the rooms together
Add every room and hallway that will get the new floor to get your total area.
- 3
Add waste
Add 5% for simple square rooms, 10% for most homes, and 15% for herringbone, chevron or rooms with lots of angles and cut-outs.
- 4
Divide by m² per box
Each product lists its m² per box. Divide your total (including waste) by that number.
- 5
Round up
Always round up to the next whole box. Flooring is only sold in full boxes, and running short later risks a different batch colour.
Why waste matters
Every row ends with a cut, and offcuts from one side don't always fit the other. Herringbone and chevron create more offcuts, which is why they need 15%. Keep any spare boxes — they're handy for future repairs and they'll match your batch.