How to Measure a Room for LVT Flooring
Work out exactly how much flooring you need with our simple guide to measuring your room, calculating square metres and allowing the right amount for waste.
Measuring your room properly before ordering LVT flooring can save you from two very annoying problems: ordering too little and running out halfway through the job, or ordering far more than you actually need.
Fortunately, working out how much LVT flooring you need is straightforward. You only need a tape measure, a few simple calculations and a sensible allowance for cutting and waste.
Room Length × Room Width = Floor Area in m²
How Do You Calculate How Much LVT Flooring You Need?
LVT flooring is normally sold by the square metre (m²). For a simple rectangular room, multiply the length of the room by the width.
If your room measures 4m long by 3m wide, your total floor area is 12m².
You shouldn't normally order exactly 12m², though. You also need to allow a little extra for cuts, offcuts and any damaged pieces.
Measure the Length of the Room
Using a tape measure or laser measure, measure from one wall to the opposite wall. Measure in metres wherever possible.
Example: Length = 4.2m
Measure the longest point rather than assuming opposite walls are perfectly straight. Older UK properties in particular aren't always as square as they look.
Measure the Width
Next, measure the width of the room from wall to wall.
Example: Width = 3.6m
You now have the two measurements needed to calculate the main floor area.
Multiply Length by Width
Multiply the two measurements together.
Your room contains approximately 15.12m² of floor space.
Add an Allowance for Waste
You should always order slightly more flooring than the exact floor area. Extra flooring allows for cutting around walls, doorways, corners, kitchen units, radiators and awkward sections of the room.
How Much Extra LVT Flooring Should You Order?
For most standard plank or tile installations, allowing around 5–10% extra is a sensible starting point.
| Room Area | 5% Waste | 10% Waste | Approx. Amount to Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10m² | 10.5m² | 11m² | 10.5–11m² |
| 15m² | 15.75m² | 16.5m² | 15.75–16.5m² |
| 20m² | 21m² | 22m² | 21–22m² |
| 30m² | 31.5m² | 33m² | 31.5–33m² |
How Much Extra Flooring Do You Need for Herringbone?
Herringbone flooring usually creates more offcuts than standard straight-plank flooring because of the pattern and the number of cuts required around the edges of the room.
For herringbone installations, consider allowing approximately 10–15% extra, depending on the shape of the room, laying pattern and experience of the fitter.
Complicated layouts can require more, so if you're unsure, check with your fitter before ordering.
How to Measure an L-Shaped Room
Not every room is a convenient rectangle. If you've got an L-shaped room, alcoves or an unusual layout, the easiest method is to split the room into several smaller rectangles.
Section 2: 2m × 1.5m = 3m²
Total: 12m² + 3m² = 15m²
You can use exactly the same method for extensions, alcoves and awkward room shapes: calculate each section separately, then add them together.
Should You Measure Under Kitchen Units?
Generally, you only need to include areas where the flooring will actually be installed. If your LVT is being fitted around permanent kitchen cabinets rather than underneath them, those areas can normally be excluded.
Don't try to calculate everything too tightly, though. Having a small amount of spare flooring is considerably better than discovering you're one plank short at the end of the installation.
What About Doorways, Cupboards and Alcoves?
Include doorways, cupboards and alcoves if you're planning to install flooring in them. Small areas might not look significant individually, but they quickly add up across a room.
When in doubt, measure slightly generously.
How Do I Know How Many Packs of LVT to Buy?
Once you've calculated how many square metres you need, check the pack coverage shown on the product page.
Pack coverage: 3.5m² per pack
16 ÷ 3.5 = 4.57 packs
Because you can't buy 0.57 of a pack, you would need to order 5 full packs.
Should You Keep Spare LVT Flooring?
Yes. If possible, keep a few spare planks or tiles after installation.
If part of the floor becomes damaged later, having matching spare flooring makes replacing individual sections much easier. Flooring ranges and colours can eventually be discontinued, so finding an exact match several years later isn't guaranteed.
Quick LVT Measuring Checklist
- Measure the maximum length of the room.
- Measure the maximum width of the room.
- Multiply length by width to calculate the area in m².
- Divide irregular rooms into smaller rectangles.
- Add the separate areas together.
- Include cupboards, alcoves and doorways being floored.
- Add approximately 5–10% waste for standard installations.
- Consider 10–15% for herringbone installations.
- Check the square metre coverage of each pack.
- Always round the number of packs up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much extra LVT flooring should I order?
For most straightforward installations, around 5–10% extra is normally sensible. More complicated layouts and herringbone installations may require around 10–15%.
How do I calculate square metres for flooring?
Multiply the room's length in metres by its width in metres. For example, a 5m × 4m room has a floor area of 20m².
Should I round my flooring order up?
Yes. Flooring is normally sold in complete packs. Once you have calculated the number of packs you need, always round up to the next full pack.
Do I need to include waste when measuring for LVT?
Yes. Waste allows for cuts, awkward corners, offcuts and occasional damaged pieces during installation.
Can Discount Flooring Superstore help calculate my flooring?
Yes. Send us your room measurements and our team can help you calculate approximately how much flooring you should order.
Ready to Find Your New Floor?
Shop affordable glue-down LVT flooring at Discount Flooring Superstore, with wood, stone, plank and herringbone designs available at outlet prices.
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