— How to · 4 min read · Updated June 2026
How to measure a room for flooring — properly
Get this wrong and you'll either run out mid-fit or pay for a wasted roll. Here's the exact method, plus the wastage percentage you need to add per floor type.
Step 1 — Sketch the room from above
Draw the room as a rectangle. Add any alcoves, chimney breasts, bay windows or L-shapes as separate rectangles. Number each rectangle.
Step 2 — Measure length × width of each rectangle
Measure at the widest point of each. Round up to the nearest 0.1m. Multiply length × width for each rectangle — this gives m² per section. Add all sections together for total m².
Step 3 — Add wastage
Carpet (broadloom, 4m or 5m width): add 10% and expect the fitter to spec the roll to minimise seams. LVT / laminate / SPC / engineered: add 8-10% for standard rooms, 15% for herringbone or diagonal patterns. Sheet vinyl: measure the largest single sheet you'll need — cannot be joined invisibly. Artificial grass: 10% plus joining tape allowance.
Step 4 — Round up to purchase units
Laminate and LVT are sold in whole packs (each covers a specific m²). Round m²-with-wastage up to the next whole pack. Carpet is sold by the m² off the roll but roll widths are fixed at 4m or 5m — your true purchase cost is (room-width-rounded-up × room-length) × price/m².
Frequently asked
Can I measure over existing furniture?
Yes, just estimate — furniture doesn't affect coverage, only fitting time.
Do I have to include the doorway?
Measure to where the new floor will end — usually the centre of the door threshold.