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How to Measure a Room for Flooring

Measure with ease

living room with hard wood floor

Flooring can change the look of a room in an instant. Whether you are looking to install yourself or hire a professional, purchasing the right amount of flooring is essential to your project. Whether you’re installing floor tiles, wood, or carpet, all be measured in a similar way. We’ve put together a guide to walk you through how to measure a room for flooring in just a few easy steps.


How to Measure a Room for Flooring

bright bathroom with light tile floor

What You’ll Need

  • Tape Measure
  • Paper
  • Pen
  • Calculator (optional)


Step 1: Find Square Footage

Rooms come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so it’s best to get the overall square footage of the room before calculating the flooring. To learn how to do this, read our guide How to Measure a Room in Square Feet.


Step 2: Consider Permanent Structures

When planning out flooring measurements, it’s essential to consider the permanent structures in the room, like kitchen islands, staircases, or closets. Measure the width and length of each permanent structure in the room you want to install the flooring. Find the square footage of the object (or structure) by multiplying the width by the length. Take the square footage of the space that does not need flooring, and subtract from the room’s overall square footage.


Step 3: Include All Spaces

Before submitting your square footage for flooring, it's essential that you complete the first two steps for each room you will be adding the flooring to. Add the total square footage of each room to get the total square footage measurement for your space.


Step 4: Factor In Waste

The flooring will need to be cut along the walls and permanent structures in each room you’re installing it. Once you have your final measurement, add in roughly 15% as a buffer. Having extra flooring will ensure that the floor can be installed correctly and comfortably within the space, even if you have to make cuts, adjustments, or account for mistakes.


Step 5: Purchase Your Flooring

Now that you know how to measure for flooring, it’s time to choose the type of floor you want to purchase. Check out our Flooring Options & Materials Guide to help you decide.


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