How many boxes of herringbone flooring?
Divide the floor area by the face area of one plank — length × width — to get the planks, add pattern waste, then split the total into A and B planks and round each side to whole boxes. Because each side is rounded on its own, you may buy one box more than a single total suggests; that box is what keeps one side from running out halfway across the room.
If both hands come mixed in each box, the count is rounded up to an even number and stays one line. Glue-down blocks without a left and right hand are counted as one plank type.
A and B planks explained
Herringbone and chevron planks have a tongue on one long side and a groove on the other, and the short ends lock in one direction only. That makes left-handed (A) and right-handed (B) planks, laid alternately. You need exactly as many of each, and many makers sell them in separate boxes, as the shopping list shows: one line for A and one for B.
The herringbone formula
N = A ÷ (L × W) × (1 + waste); boxes A = boxes B = ⌈⌈N ÷ 2⌉ ÷ planks per box⌉
A is the floor area and L × W the face area of one plank. With A and B mixed in each box, N is rounded up to an even number and boxes = ⌈N ÷ planks per box⌉.
Worked example
- Room 15 × 12 ft = 180 sq ft, herringbone vinyl 24 × 4 3/4 in (0.792 sq ft each), 15% waste, A and B in separate boxes of 24.
- Net: 180 ÷ 0.7917 = 227.4 planks; with 15% → 262 planks.
- 131 A + 131 B → ⌈131 ÷ 24⌉ = 6 boxes of A and 6 boxes of B = 12 boxes.
- A single total would say 262 ÷ 24 → 11 boxes; split 6 A + 5 B, the B side is 11 planks short (120 against 131).
Herringbone vs chevron
In herringbone the planks are rectangles laid at right angles, so the end of one plank meets the side of the next. In chevron the ends are cut at an angle, usually 45°, so the planks meet point to point in a straight zigzag. For counting, a chevron plank is measured along its long edge; when the box gives its coverage, that number is more accurate.
Waste for herringbone
Every row ends in an angled cut at the wall, so waste is higher than for straight planks: 15% by default for both patterns, plus 5% in rooms under 43 sq ft. Add more for many doorways or a border. A straight floor of the same planks needs about 7% — see the vinyl plank calculator.
Herringbone tile
Tile has no hand, so herringbone tile is counted like any other tile, with 18% waste for the pattern. Switch the finish to tiles above, or use the tile calculator, to count it with thinset and grout.
Frequently asked questions
Why do herringbone planks come in A and B boxes?
Left- and right-handed planks are milled differently and you need the same number of each. Separate boxes let the maker pack them cleanly; you buy whole boxes of each side.
How much extra herringbone flooring should I buy?
15% for herringbone or chevron in a normal room, 20% in a room under 43 sq ft, and a little more with many doorways or a border.
What is the difference between herringbone and chevron?
Herringbone planks are rectangles meeting at right angles; chevron planks have angled ends that meet in a point. Both need A and B planks.
Does a small room need more waste?
Yes. With few full planks per row, the angled cuts at the walls are a bigger share, so 5% is added under 43 sq ft.
Can I use straight-plank underlayment under herringbone?
Usually yes for floating click herringbone; glue-down blocks go straight onto the subfloor with adhesive instead. Check what the plank maker approves.
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