Hardwood flooring calculator
How many boxes of hardwood do you need?
Enter your room's length and width to get the area, a waste-adjusted order size, box count, and estimated cost.
Enter your room
National average is $4.00–$12.00 per sq ft, material only — edit it to match the product you've picked out.
Results
- Room area
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- With waste
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- Boxes needed
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- Estimated cost
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Assumes 20 sq ft per box — check the box you've chosen and adjust the numbers if it differs.
Estimates only — confirm your specific product's box coverage and pricing with your flooring supplier.
How it's calculated
Area + waste, ÷ box coverage.
We take your room's area, add your waste percentage for cuts and end trims, and divide by the coverage of one box — rounded up, since hardwood is sold in sealed boxes rather than by the plank.
FAQ
Common questions
How much extra hardwood should I buy?
10% is standard for a straight, single-direction install in a simple rectangular room. Diagonal or herringbone patterns, and rooms with a lot of transitions, typically need 15–20%.
Solid vs. engineered hardwood — does the math change?
No — both are estimated the same way, area plus waste divided by box coverage. Price per square foot and installation method (nail-down vs. floating) differ, but the material quantity math is identical.
How much does a box of hardwood cover?
Coverage varies by plank size and brand — we default to 20 sq ft per box. Check the box for your specific product and adjust the number above if it differs.
Should I acclimate hardwood before installing?
Yes — most solid and engineered hardwood needs to sit in the room for several days before installation so it adjusts to the room's humidity and temperature, reducing gaps or buckling later.