How this calculator works
We add your waste allowance to the room area, then divide by the coverage of one pack and round up, since flooring is only sold in whole packs. Underlay is bought by the roll, and the beading or scotia runs around the edge of the room, apart from the doorways.
Worked example: a 4 × 3.5 m room is 14 m². With 10% waste that is 15.4 m², and at 2.22 m² per pack you need 6.9, so 7 packs. One 15 m² roll of underlay covers it, and the room is 15 m around, which leaves 14.2 m of beading after a single doorway.
Tips before you buy
- Let the planks acclimatise in the room, in their packs, for 48 hours before you fit them, so that they settle to the temperature and humidity.
- Check the subfloor is flat, clean and dry. On a concrete floor you will need a damp-proof membrane as well as the underlay.
- Lay the planks along the longest wall, or towards the main window. Check the width of the last row before you start, and trim the first row if it will be a thin sliver.
- Leave an expansion gap of 8 to 10 mm around the room, and at every doorway, and under any door lining.
- Buy all the packs at once from the same batch, and an extra pack to keep for repairs.
Tools & materials for this project
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Frequently asked questions
How many packs of laminate do I need for a 4m x 3.5m room?
7 packs at 2.22 m² each, with 10% waste. The room is 14 m², and you need 15.4 m² of laminate.
How much extra laminate should I buy?
5 to 10% for most rooms, and 15% for diagonal or herringbone layouts or rooms with many corners.
Do I need underlay for laminate?
Usually, unless the planks have a pad attached. Over concrete you also need a damp-proof membrane. Check the maker's instructions.
What is scotia or beading for?
It covers the expansion gap around the edge of the floor, and is fixed to the skirting board, not to the floor.
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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.