Flooring for a 13 × 13 ft room (169 ft²)
Box counts depend on how much each box holds, which is printed on the box (20 to 25 ft² is common for laminate and vinyl plank).
| Layout and waste | Flooring to buy | Boxes at 20 ft² | Boxes at 24 ft² | Boxes at 30 ft² |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5% (Straight, simple room) | 177.5 ft² | 9 | 8 | 6 |
| 7% (Typical room) | 180.8 ft² | 10 | 8 | 7 |
| 10% (Diagonal or many cuts) | 185.9 ft² | 10 | 8 | 7 |
| 15% (Herringbone or patterns) | 194.4 ft² | 10 | 9 | 7 |
Before you buy
Measure into doorways and closets, and buy one extra box for future repairs, since dye lots vary. Let the flooring acclimate in the room for as long as the maker says. See the waste factors guide.
Laying it out: rows and the last row
Planks usually run along the long wall (13 ft here), so they stack up across the 13 ft side, which is 156 inches. A last row that is only a sliver looks bad and can lift, so check it before you start. With 48 inch planks you need about 4 planks per row.
| Plank width | Rows across | Width of the last row | Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 in plank | 32 | 1.0 in | Too thin: trim the first row |
| 7 in plank | 23 | 2.0 in | Fine |
| 9 in plank | 18 | 3.0 in | Fine |
If the last row comes out under 2 inches, cut the first row narrower so that the first and last rows are about the same. Leave the expansion gap the maker specifies (usually about 1/4 to 1/2 inch) around the walls.
A 13 × 13 room: balance the first and last rows
A 13 × 13 ft room has 169 sq ft to cover, so 185.9 sq ft with a 10% allowance. That comes to 10 boxes of 20 sq ft or 8 boxes of 24 sq ft.
Thirteen feet rarely divides into a whole number of plank widths, so work out the rows before laying anything: if the last row would be a narrow strip, rip the first row down so the two edges match. Do the same along the length so no row ends in a very short piece. In a large bedroom the closet floor is extra; measure it and add it. The distance around the room is 52 ft for baseboard, less the doorways.
Want to change anything else? The calculator above is the full Flooring Calculator: edit any number and the results update instantly.
Tools & materials for this project
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Frequently asked questions
How many boxes of flooring for a 13x13 room?
10 boxes at 20 ft² per box, including 10% waste (185.9 ft² needed for 169 ft² of floor). With 24 ft² boxes it is 8.
How much extra flooring should I buy for a 13x13 room?
5 to 10% for a simple straight layout, and 15% for diagonal or herringbone. For this room, 10% adds 16.9 ft².
How many square feet is a 13x13 room?
169 square feet (13 × 13). Add other rooms, hallways and closets you will floor, and measure into doorways.
Related sizes and guides
Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.