Our vinyl plank flooring calculator helps you easily estimate the amount of flooring you’ll need for your space.
How to Use the Vinyl Plank Flooring Calculator
Enter the dimensions of your room and the vinyl planks to compute the number of planks required to cover your flooring. Follow these instructions:
- Enter the length and width of the room in feet.
- Enter the length and width of a single plank in inches.
- Enter an estimated percentage for wastage (extra material for cuts and mistakes).
- Click the Calculate button to see the result.
The calculator will provide the total number of vinyl planks needed, including the wastage percentage.
Explanation of the Calculation
The calculator works by computing the total area of the room in square feet and the area of a single vinyl plank in square feet. It then divides the total room area by the area of one plank to determine the number of planks required. A wastage percentage is added to account for cuts and potential mistakes.
Example: if your room is 10 feet long and 12 feet wide, with planks that are 48 inches long and 6 inches wide, and a suggested wastage of 10%, the calculation would be:
- Room area = 10 * 12 = 120 sq.ft
- Plank area = (48 / 12) * (6 / 12) = 2 sq.ft
- Planks needed = 120 / 2 = 60 planks
- Total including wastage = 60 + (60 * 0.10) = 66 planks
Limitations
The calculator assumes perfect conditions without any obstructions like columns or built-in furniture that can affect the total area. The wastage percentage is an estimation and actual needs may vary. Always consult with a flooring professional for precise measurements and advice.
Use Cases for This Calculator
Calculate the Total Cost
Enter the price per square foot of the vinyl plank flooring and the total square footage of the area you want to cover to quickly determine the total cost of the materials. The calculator will give you an accurate estimate to help you budget effectively for your flooring project.
Determine Wastage
By inputting the percentage of wastage typically recommended for vinyl plank flooring installation, you can calculate the additional square footage required. This helps you account for cuts, mistakes, and variations in the space to ensure you have enough material before starting the installation.
Estimate Installation Time
After entering the average time it takes to install one square foot of vinyl plank flooring, the calculator can give you an estimated total installation time based on the size of the area. This feature allows you to plan your project timeline accordingly.
Convert Units
If the flooring price is given in square meters instead of square feet, you can easily convert the unit by entering the price per square meter. The calculator will automatically convert it to the price per square foot for accurate calculations.
Compare Prices
You can compare prices from different suppliers by inputting various prices per square foot into the calculator. This feature enables you to make informed decisions based on cost and quality, ensuring you get the best deal for your vinyl plank flooring project.
Account for Tax and Shipping
Include tax and shipping costs by adding the applicable percentages to the total cost of the materials. This allows you to get a comprehensive picture of the expenses involved in purchasing the vinyl plank flooring, helping you stay within your budget.
Factor in Underlayment Costs
If you need underlayment for your vinyl plank flooring installation, input the cost per square foot of the underlayment material. The calculator will factor in this additional expense to provide you with a more accurate total cost estimation for your project.
Plan for Subfloor Preparation
Estimate the cost of preparing the subfloor by entering the price per square foot for leveling or repairing existing flooring. This functionality helps you budget for any necessary subfloor work before laying down the vinyl plank flooring.
Adjust for Room Shape
For rooms with non-standard shapes or layouts, input the total square footage of the area and adjust for any irregular angles or corners. The calculator will help you account for these variations in space to ensure you purchase the right amount of vinyl plank flooring without underestimating.
Save and Print Results
Once you have calculated the total cost, wastage, installation time, and additional expenses, you can save or print the results for future reference. This feature allows you to keep track of your calculations and share them with contractors or suppliers for a smoother flooring project planning process.
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