Balance the first and last rows

Plank layout and starter-row calculator

Avoid discovering a narrow final strip after installation begins. This worksheet balances the cut widths at both walls and flags rows that fall below your chosen minimum.

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Installer worksheet Runs locally

Enter project measurements

Use decimal feet unless an input says inches. Required fields are marked.

How to use this calculator

  1. 01

    Measure the room perpendicular to the plank direction.

  2. 02

    Enter the actual face width of one plank and required wall gaps.

  3. 03

    Set the narrowest acceptable cut row.

  4. 04

    Use the balanced starter width as a planning mark, then dry-lay to confirm.

Useful planning situations

  • Laminate and floating floors
  • Engineered or solid plank layout
  • Checking a proposed plank direction

Assumptions

  • Opposite walls are treated as parallel.
  • Both walls use the same expansion gap.
  • Planks have a consistent face width.

Limits and checks

  • Real walls may taper; check width at several points.
  • Click profiles and manufacturer minimum cuts can alter the plan.
  • This calculator does not stagger end joints along the room length.

Frequently asked questions

Why balance the first and last rows?

Balanced edge rows often look more intentional and prevent a very narrow strip that can be hard to cut or secure.

Does room width include expansion gaps?

Enter wall-to-wall width. The calculator subtracts the gap entered for each side.

What if the walls are not parallel?

Measure at multiple points, snap a reference line, and scribe edge rows as needed. Use the result only as a starting layout.