How To Measure A Non-Rectangular Room

Step 1: Sketch And Divide

If you have an irregular or L-shaped room, we recommend that you first create a rough sketch of the layout. This will help you identify the overall shape of the room. Then, divide the room into several rectangular areas that you can easily measure.

Step 2: Measure And Multiply

This step is similar to measuring a rectangular room. Once you sectioned the room into rectangular areas, you only need to multiply sides to get the square footage of each section. For later uses, jot down the square footage of each rectangle on your notebook.

Step 3: Sum Up

Use your calculator to add the square footage of each rectangle. The result is the total square of the room.

Step 4: Add More

Just like measuring a rectangular room, add 10% to the total area of the room to account for wastes and corners. In the case of an irregular or complex room, you need to order a little more material because of more corner and cuts.

Example

If you have an L-shape you split it into 2 rectangles, then calculate and add each area to get the total square footage. For instance, the room shown below is made from two rectangular areas 3×6 and 3×3. Summing up the areas gives us the total area which is 9+18=27 m2. But for laminate or vinyl flooring, we need to order an 10% extra. Therefore, our final order will be 30 m2.

Some Useful tips

For easy access, you can save the dimensions of the room on your phone or tablet.

When measuring a square room, you should also get a measurement on both sides to ensure that the room is indeed square.

Add 2-3 inches to each wall-to-wall measurement to make up for walls that are not straight.

For circle rooms, you should get the diameter and use the mathematical formula to calculate the area of the room.

Measure door frame, skirting and everywhere your flooring will run under.

Don’t forget about fireplaces, alcoves and cupboards!

If you are going to buy flooring for more than a room, you add rooms with the same material to find how much material you need.

If your retailer or online store sells material in yards, then divide square foot by 9 to get the area in yards (yard=sq. ft/9). For example, 315 sq. ft corresponds to 35 yards.

Before placing an order check your measurements with a professional, some rooms may require special treatment that can make a difference in actual calculations. For example, rooms larger than 40 feet long or 25 feet wide need a transition piece.

The same basic measurement approach works for luxury vinyl tiles, but there some unique tip to consider:

Add 10-20% to the square footage of each room. This ensures enough that will have enough tiles for the room. 

To find how many tile boxes you need divide the total square footage required to the square feet of each box and round up to the greater whole digit. Remember that LVT tiles are not sold in partial boxes. 

The larger the tile is, the more waste you should expect

Use a flooring calculator to double-check your measurements

When you want to order laminate or vinyl you need to get an accurate measurement, but always consider ordering a little excess material. Before placing an order double check your measurements with your local retailer and ask them about their return policy so that you will able to return the surplus material. Also, ensure that you have a qualified and experienced installer to minimise waste.