How to use the room measurement worksheet
Print one sheet for each flooring product or type. Bring a tape measure and pencil, and sketch the outline before writing down dimensions. Mark closets, alcoves, fixed cabinets and any parts that will not receive the flooring.
1. Sketch and label each section
Divide the floor into rectangles that do not overlap. Label them A, B, C and D on both the sketch and the table. If the project needs more rows, use another sheet and combine the totals for the same product. An L-shaped room can be split into two rectangles, or represented by an outside rectangle with a rectangular cutout.
2. Record the measurements
Write feet and inches in their separate columns for each section. Mark each row with a plus sign for an area to cover or a minus sign for an area to subtract. Convert inches to feet by dividing by 12, then multiply the two dimensions in feet. For example, 12 ft 6 in is 12.5 ft; multiplied by 10 ft, it gives 125 sq ft. Record the area in the final column.
3. Find net area and plan coverage
Add the included sections and subtract only areas that will not receive flooring. Do not count overlapping sections twice. In the coverage section, enter the net area and the waste allowance appropriate to your material and layout. The allowance accounts for cuts and other losses; consult the product instructions or installer rather than relying on one percentage for every project.
4. Turn coverage into boxes
Read the coverage per box from the product label. Divide the required coverage by that number and round up to a whole box. The worksheet example starts with 168 sq ft: a 10% allowance gives 184.8 sq ft. At 20 sq ft per box, 184.8 ÷ 20 is 9.24, so the order is 10 boxes covering 200 sq ft. At $60 per box, the example material cost is $600 before tax or labor. Add a spare box separately if you decide to keep one.
Printing and saving
The sheet is designed for US Letter paper. Use your browser’s print command to print it or choose “Save as PDF” to keep a blank digital copy. The worksheet is intended for handwritten notes; its fields are not interactive. Keep the sketch and the original measurements with your quote so you can check the calculation later.
For an interactive estimate, enter the net area and package coverage in the flooring calculator. The worksheet and calculator are planning aids; confirm the product, coverage, waste allowance and final order with your supplier or installer.