Step 1: get the real square footage

Start with length × width for a rectangle. For L-shaped rooms, split them into rectangles and add the pieces. Use the square footage calculator so you don't eyeball it — the whole order depends on this number. For a 12×16 ft living room that's 192 sq ft.

Step 2: add 10% waste, then divide by box coverage

LVP is bought by the box, and every box prints its square-foot coverage (usually 20–30 sq ft, varying by plank size and brand). Add 10% waste for straight layouts — you cut boards at walls, doors and seams. For diagonal or herringbone patterns use 15%. Then divide by the box coverage and round up to a full box.

Worked example — a 192 sq ft room at 20 sq ft per box:

• Add 10%: 192 × 1.10 = 211 sq ft
• Divide by 20 sq ft/box = 10.6 boxes
• Round up → buy 11 boxes

Boxes by room size

These assume 10% waste and 20 sq ft per box (typical). Check your box's real coverage before ordering.

Room	Size	Sq ft + waste	Boxes (~20 sq ft)
Small bedroom	10×10 ft	110	6
Standard bedroom	12×12 ft	158	8
Living room	16×20 ft	352	18
Whole floor	800 sq ft	880	44

Buy an extra box, return the rest

The safest move is to buy one full extra box beyond your rounded-up count. It covers a mis-measure, a broken plank mid-install, or a future repair — and most stores accept unopened returns. Partial boxes almost never return, so don't try to "save" by buying under.

Common mistakes

• Forgetting waste. Straight layouts still cut at every wall, door and seam — 10% is the floor, not the ceiling.
• Using the room's floor area on the listing. Listings often include closets or round differently; measure the space you're actually covering.
• Assuming every box is the same. Coverage varies by plank width and length — always read the label.
• Buying exactly and running out. An 80 sq ft closet you forgot can cost a second trip.