Buildy Buddy

When to Use This Calculator

Use the LVP Row Calculator before starting a luxury vinyl plank, laminate plank, or engineered click-lock flooring installation. Most manufacturers require a minimum stagger distance between end joints in adjacent rows — typically 6 inches or more — and failing to meet this specification can void your product warranty, even if the floor looks fine at first glance.

How It Works

Enter the plank length, room width, and the manufacturer's minimum stagger distance. The calculator generates a row-by-row layout plan with randomized stagger that meets the required offset specification. It tells you the starting plank length for each row so you avoid tiny slivers at the walls, and it ensures the stagger pattern looks natural rather than creating a repeating step pattern that draws the eye.

Tips for Best Results

• Check your specific flooring product's installation guide for the minimum stagger distance — it varies from 6" to 12" depending on the manufacturer and plank length.
• Plan your first row to start from the most visible wall in the room, typically the wall you see when entering through the main doorway.
• If the calculator shows narrow pieces on the last row, consider adjusting the first row's starting length to balance both sides of the room evenly.
• For multi-room installations, the plank that ends at a doorway threshold can carry over into the next room — run the calculator for connected rooms together when possible.