What wastage percentage should I add when cutting timber?

For rough solid timber, add 15–20 %. For MDF or plywood boards, 10 % is usually enough. For precision work with tightly fitted pieces, it can be reduced to 5 %.

How do I calculate the amount of boards for a wood floor?

Divide the total area (m²) by the board width and add the wastage percentage according to the laying pattern.

What is the density of pine wood?

Pine has an approximate density of 500–600 kg/m³ depending on species and drying grade. Oak is around 700–750 kg/m³.

Baseboard Calculator

Last updated: 2026-05-07

Use the Baseboard Calculator to get instant, accurate results. Enter your values below.

Inputs

Result

Enter values and press Calculate

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Common Sizes — Click to Fill

	Room perimeter (m)	Number of doors (pcs)	Board length (m)	Door width (m)
Small door	9 m	1 pcs	2.4 m	0.9 m
Standard door	13.5 m	2 pcs	2.4 m	0.9 m
Large door	18 m	2 pcs	2.4 m	0.9 m
Window	27 m	3 pcs	2.4 m	0.9 m
Bay window	36 m	4 pcs	2.4 m	0.9 m

What is the Baseboard Calculator?

Baseboards (skirting boards) run along every wall at floor level — calculating the right linear metres means measuring the full room perimeter, subtracting door openings, and adding waste for mitre cuts at corners. Get it wrong and you'll have visible joins or run short mid-room.

You may also find the Crown Molding Calculator, Decking Calculator, and Laminate Flooring Calculator useful.

Who Uses This Calculator?

This tool is used by homeowners finishing a renovation, carpenters quoting trim work, and builders specifying finish materials.

How to Use the Baseboard Calculator

Enter your Room perimeter.
Enter your Door width.
Enter your Number of doors.
Enter your Board length.
Click Calculate to see your results instantly.

Formula

The calculator uses the following formula:

Net perimeter = room_perimeter - (doors × door_width); Boards = ceil(net_perimeter × 1.05 ÷ board_length)

Worked Example

A 5 m × 4 m room with two 0.9 m door openings needs (18 - 1.8) × 1.05 = 17 linear metres of baseboard allowing for waste.

Step-by-Step Calculation

Gross perimeter: 18 m
Subtract door openings: 2 × 0.9 m = 1.8 m → 16.2 m net
Add 5% for cuts: 16.2 × 1.05 = 17.01 m
Boards (2.4 m each): ceil(17.01 ÷ 2.4) = 8 boards

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Including door openings in the perimeter instead of subtracting them
Forgetting to account for inside corners where boards meet
Not allowing for end cuts — the offcut from one wall can often start the next

Pro Tip: For painted baseboards, MDF is cheaper and machines perfectly. For stained or clear-coated wood, use solid timber or finger-jointed pine. Always prime MDF cut ends — they absorb paint and swell if left unprimed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I measure baseboard for a room?

Measure the perimeter of each wall, subtract all door openings (measure between door jambs), then add 5–10% for mitre cuts at corners and waste. This calculator does all of that automatically.

What height baseboard should I use?

70–90 mm is standard for rooms with 2.4 m ceilings. Use taller baseboards (100–140 mm) in rooms with higher ceilings to maintain visual proportion. Very tall ceilings (3 m+) can use 150 mm or taller profiles.

Should baseboard be installed before or after flooring?

Hard flooring (tile, timber, laminate) should be installed first, then baseboard on top to cover the expansion gap. Carpet is typically laid after baseboard, with the carpet tucked under the board.

How do I deal with out-of-square corners?

Most corners are not exactly 90 degrees. Use an angle finder or digital protractor to measure the actual angle, then divide by 2 for each mitre cut. Small gaps can be filled with caulk and painted.

Can I use flexible baseboard for curved walls?

Yes — thin MDF baseboard (6–9 mm) can be bent around gentle curves with a heat gun or by scoring the back. For tight curves, use purpose-made flexible trim or build up the curve with multiple layers of thin strips.

Written and reviewed by the CalcToWork editorial team. Last updated: 2026-05-07.