Baseboard Calculator — Free Online Tool
Baseboard is sold by the linear foot, but rooms are measured wall by wall — and every corner eats a little extra. This baseboard calculator turns your room's perimeter into a buy list with miter-cut waste included.
What is the Baseboard Calculator?
Measure each wall and add them up for the perimeter, then subtract door openings — no baseboard runs through a doorway. The 10% waste factor covers 45° miter cuts at corners, coping on inside corners, and the learning curve on your first few joints.
Baseboard comes in standard lengths (8, 12, 16 ft) — plan joints on long walls to land on studs, and buy primed MDF for painted installs (cheaper and straighter than wood). This baseboard calculator gives total linear feet; divide by your chosen board length and round up to get the board count.
How to use this calculator
- Measure each wall and add them for the perimeter.
- Subtract about 3 ft per doorway.
- Enter the perimeter and click Calculate Baseboard.
- Divide the result by your board length (8/12/16 ft) and round up.
Formula
Frequently asked questions
Do I subtract doorways from baseboard measurements?
Yes — subtract about 3 feet per doorway. This baseboard calculator expects the net perimeter.
MDF or wood baseboard — which is better?
Primed MDF for painted installs (cheap, straight, no knots); real wood if you're staining.
What height baseboard should I choose?
3–5 inches is standard; taller profiles suit 9+ foot ceilings.
Glue or nails for baseboard?
Both — construction adhesive plus brad nails into studs holds best.