How to Measure a Room for Flooring

Tools and basic formula

Use a tape measure, pencil and simple sketch. For a rectangle: length × width = square feet. Convert inches to feet by dividing by 12.

Example

A room measuring 12 ft 6 in by 10 ft 8 in is 12.5 × 10.667, or approximately 133.3 sq ft before waste.

Irregular rooms

Divide an L-shaped space into rectangles, calculate each area, and add the results. Measure closets, alcoves and connected areas separately. Do not subtract permanent cabinets unless flooring will definitely stop at them.

Field checklist

Measure twice, label every room, confirm transitions and stair areas, and compare your sketch with the actual floor before ordering.

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