There is nothing worse than discovering that you miscalculated during the planning stage of the flooring project. Imagine needing just one more box of flooring planks, but that it isn't to be found anywhere. Judging by the desperate pleas on do it yourself forums, this unhappy situation occurs far too often and leads to heartbreak and unforeseen expenses.
Take accurate measurements of the room chosen for a laminate flooring treatment. Take cabinets and cupboards - and the cutting these will necessitate into account. Have someone double check all the digits if possible. It is generally accepted that you need to purchase 10% extra to allow for mishaps and factory flaws.
Remember that one of the benefits of laminate flooring is that it is possible to replace a section of flooring in the event of a serious accident. Plan for this possibility by storing one or two unopened cartons of flooring planks. It may seem like an unnecessary expense at the time, but you will not regret it later. If you don't have this back-up available, you may have to replace a complete floor. Flooring ranges are often discontinued, or a new batch may show a visible shading difference. A bit of forethought will enable you to handle any mishap with a confident smile, knowing you have what you need in storage.