How to Measure for Vinyl Flooring
Knowing how to measure for vinyl flooring helps you order enough material without buying more than you need. The basic calculation is simple: measure the floor area in square metres. Then add an allowance for cutting and waste. Then check how much coverage is included in each pack.
For vinyl planks and tiles, measure each area and keep the measurements for each room separate. This is useful if you have several rooms with different shapes or layouts. Keep reading to learn more before starting your project.
What You Will Need to Measure Your Floor
Before you start, have:
- A tape measure
- A pencil and paper, or your phone for recording measurements
- A calculator
- A sketch of the room
- The flooring pack information, including the coverage per pack
A laser measure can also make larger rooms easier to measure. But a tape measure is sufficient for most domestic spaces. Measure in metres or convert centimetres to metres before calculating the area.
How to Measure a Room for Vinyl Flooring
For a basic rectangular room, measure the length and width of the floor.
Multiply the two measurements: Length × Width = floor area
For example: 5m × 4m = 20m²
So the room has a floor area of 20 square metres. If the room has alcoves, recesses or other sections that are part of the flooring area, measure those separately. Then you can add them to the main area. It is better to measure the floor instead of relying on room dimensions from a property plan. Walls may not be perfectly straight, and small differences can affect the amount of flooring required.
When learning how to measure floor for vinyl planks, remember that the area calculation helps. It tells you how much floor needs to be covered. But it does not account for cuts, offcuts or unusable pieces. You need a separate allowance for cutting and waste; expansion gaps are an installation requirement.
How to Measure Irregular-Shaped Rooms
If the floor has an L-shape or irregular layout, divide it into smaller rectangles. Calculate each area separately and then add the results together.
For example:
- Section A: 4m × 3m = 12m²
- Section B: 2m × 1.5m = 3m²
- Total floor area: 15m²
For more complicated layouts, sketch the room and label each measurement. This reduces the chance of measuring the same area twice or leaving a section out. For rooms with curves or unusual angles, break the floor into simple measurable shapes.
Measuring Bathroom and Kitchen Floors
When considering how to measure bathroom floor for vinyl, measure the floor area that will receive the flooring. Don’t automatically include the footprint of areas where flooring will not be installed. Bathrooms can have more complicated layouts because of toilets, baths, shower areas, vanities, and other fixed units. Measure around these and make a note of any areas that will remain uncovered.
For how to measure the kitchen floor for vinyl, use the same basic area calculation. Measure the sections of floor that will receive the vinyl. Don’t forget to include areas beneath appliances or units if your planned flooring installation requires them. Try not to use the position of kitchen units or bathroom fittings as a reason to guess the measurements.
Draw a simple floor plan and mark the areas to be covered. The amount of flooring you need is also affected by the plank or tile layout. A room with many corners and small sections can create more offcuts than a rectangular room.
How to Calculate Vinyl Flooring Packs
Once you know the total floor area, check the coverage stated on the LVT pack. If the result is not a whole number, round up to the next complete pack. You cannot order part of a standard pack unless the retailer sells the product that way.
Always use the coverage stated for the flooring you are buying. Don’t calculate pack requirements from the number of planks or tiles alone as board sizes vary between products.
How Much Extra Flooring Should You Order?
You need some additional flooring for cutting and unavoidable waste. The amount depends on the shape and size of the room, the installation layout and the product. A simple rectangular room with a straightforward plank layout may produce less waste than a room with several corners, alcoves or awkward sections.
Check the flooring manufacturer's recommendations, mainly for products with laying patterns or minimum cutting requirements. Keep a small amount of unused flooring after installation. Matching replacement planks may be difficult to find later if the product is discontinued.
Common Measuring Mistakes
A few simple mistakes can lead to ordering too little or too much flooring. Some of them are:
Measuring only one point: Walls are not always perfectly straight. For larger or irregular rooms, take measurements at more than one point.
Forgetting sections of floor: Include every area that will receive flooring, including recesses and connected sections.
Double-counting areas: A rough sketch helps you keep track of which sections you have already measured.
Ignoring waste: Your floor area is not the same as the amount you need to order.
Rounding down: Always round the pack calculation up to complete packs.
Using the wrong pack coverage: Check the coverage printed on the actual product packaging rather than relying on another flooring range.
Not considering the layout: Diagonal patterns, detailed designs and rooms with many cuts increase waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how much vinyl flooring I need?
Measure the length and width of each section. Calculate the area in square metres and include an allowance for cutting and waste. Then divide the total area by the coverage of one pack and round up to a full pack.
Can I use a flooring calculator?
Flooring calculators make the area calculation easier. Measure the room first and then use the calculator to check waste and pack coverage.
Should I keep spare vinyl planks or tiles?
Keep a small amount of flooring extra for future needs. If a plank is damaged later, you can use it even if the pack is no longer available.
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