How it is calculated
Area with allowance = area × (1 + allowance). Boxes = area with allowance ÷ area per box (rounded up).
Total = boxes × area per box × price + underlay × area with allowance + labour × area + skirting × perimeter.
Worked example
Using the calculator’s example values:
- Area: Room length × width
- Length: 5 m
- Width: 4 m
- Cutting allowance: 8%
- Area per box: 2.2 m²
- Flooring price: $20.00/m²
- Underlay or adhesive: $2.00/m²
- Labour: $0.00/m²
- Skirting: $0.00/m
Result: Estimated total cost — $483.20 (boxes of flooring: 10 units; area purchased: 22 m²; material: $440.00).
Money-saving tips
- Let the flooring acclimatise in the room before fitting, as the manufacturer advises.
- Irregular rooms need a larger allowance.
- Subtract door widths from the skirting perimeter.
Frequently asked questions
What cutting allowance is typical?
Around 5–10% for straight layouts. More for diagonal or herringbone.
Why do I pay for more area than I have?
Because you buy whole boxes. The calculator shows the area actually purchased.
Does it include removing the old floor?
No. Add it in the renovation budget calculator if you need it.
How we calculate and the limits of the results: Methodology.