Measure Your Floor Like a Pro
- pncmorrissey
- May 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 19
How to Measure Your Floor Like a Pro (Before You Shop)
Accurate Measurements = Smarter Shopping
You’ve picked the perfect floor, but how much do you need? Buying too little means delays. Buying too much means wasted money. At Discount Flooring at Liquidation Land, we want you to measure once, shop once, and save big.

Whether you’re tackling a single room or a whole house, this guide will help you measure your floors like a pro without needing a contractor.
Step-by-Step: How to Measure Your Space for Flooring
🛠 What You’ll Need:
A tape measure (preferably 25 ft or longer)
A notepad or phone notes app
Calculator (or your phone)
This guide (or download our printable version below!)
1. Sketch a Rough Floor Plan
Draw the shape of each room in you’re flooring, just simple rectangles or shapes. Label each one (e.g., “Living Room,” “Bedroom 1”). Include closets and hallways if they’re being covered.
Pro Tip:
Don’t worry about scale. Just give each room its section to keep things organized.
2. Measure Length and Width
For each room, measure the length and the width at the widest points, in feet. Multiply those numbers to get the square footage for that space.
📐 Formula:
Length × Width = Room’s Square Footage Example:
If your living room is 15 ft long and 12 ft wide, or 15 × 12 = 180 sq. ft.
3. Add All Your Room Totals Together
Once you’ve measured each room, add up all the square footages for your total.
Room | Dimensions (ft) | Sq. Ft. |
Living Room | 15 × 12 | 180 |
Bedroom | 10 × 12 | 120 |
Hallway | 3 × 10 | 30 |
TOTAL | 330 |
4. Add a Waste Factor (10–15%)
Flooring cuts, angles, and small errors are common, especially with DIY projects. Always add 10–15% extra for “waste.”
📦 Rule of Thumb:
10% for square rooms or pro installers
15% for odd-shaped spaces, patterns, or first-timers
Waste Factor Example:
330 sq. ft. × 1.10 = 363 sq. ft. total to purchase
5. Double-Check Boxes Coverage
Each box of flooring covers a certain number of square feet. Check the label or ask our team before shopping.
Then divide your total needed by the square footage per box.
Example:
If each box covers 24 sq. ft. and you need 363 sq. ft.:363 ÷ 24 = ~15.1 boxes → Buy 16 boxes
Downloadable Guide for DIY Shoppers
📥 Download Your Printable Flooring Measuring Sheet (PDF)Use it room-by-room to stay organized while shopping. Bring it to the warehouse, and we’ll help you calculate totals instantly.
Mid-Post CTA:
📏 Ready to shop smart? Bring your measurements and check our in-stock deals; we’ll help you match the perfect floor to your square footage.
Quick Tips for Specific Areas
🏠 Open Floor Plans
Measure each section individually and combine totals. Watch for angled areas.
🧱 Stairs
Stairs need individual tread measurements. Ask our staff for help!
🧺 Laundry Rooms & Closets
Don’t forget these small areas—they add up fast.
FAQ: Floor Measuring for DIY Buyers
#Do I measure in inches or feet?
Use feet and convert inches to decimals (e.g., 12 ft 6 in = 12.5 ft).
#What if my room isn’t a perfect rectangle?
Break it into smaller sections and add their totals. Sketch it out if needed.
#Is 10% waste enough?
Yes, for basic layouts. Add 15% for diagonal patterns, stairs, or rooms with lots of corners.
#Should I buy all my flooring at once?
Yes, styles sell out fast. Buying all at once ensures color match and continuity.
#Can Liquidation Land help me calculate?
Absolutely! Bring your rough sketch and we’ll double-check it for you.
Final Thoughts: Confidence Starts with the Tape Measure
Flooring your home doesn't have to feel overwhelming. With a few tools and some quick math, you can measure like a pro and shop smarter. At Discount Flooring at Liquidation Land, we’re here to make sure you get the right amount, right away, and walk out with confidence.




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