How it is calculated
The floor area is increased by 7 % for straight laying or 15 % for diagonal laying, then divided by the area in one pack and rounded up. Underlay gets 10 % for overlaps. Skirting runs along the perimeter minus door openings, with 5 % for corner cuts.
Formula
Packs = floor area × (1 + waste) ÷ area in packSkirting = 2 × (length + width) − doors × 0.9 mExample
A 5 × 4 m room needs 11 packs of 2 m² laid straight, 3 rolls of 10 m² underlay and 8 skirting boards of 2.5 m.
Tips from practice
- Leave the packs in the room for 48 hours before laying so the boards adjust to the temperature and humidity.
- Lay boards along the light from the main window: joints are less visible.
- Leave a 10 mm expansion gap along the walls; the skirting covers it.
Questions and answers
How much extra laminate should I buy?
About 5–7 % for straight laying and 10–15 % for diagonal laying or rooms with many corners.
Do I need underlay?
Yes, unless the laminate has an underlay already attached. It evens out small bumps and reduces noise.
Can I return unopened packs?
Many stores accept unopened packs back. Ask before buying, then take the rounded amount with confidence.
Found a mistake in a formula? Write to contact@planicalc.com