How to Calculate How Much Floor Stripper You Need

Stripping floor finish is a critical maintenance task, but ordering the wrong amount of floor stripper can lead to wasted product, project delays, or incomplete results. Knowing how to accurately calculate the amount of stripper required before you start ensures your project stays efficient, predictable, and on budget. This guide walks through the math behind determining how much floor stripper you need for any stripping project.

To make these calculations even easier, you can use the floor stripper calculator below to instantly determine how much product you need based on your floor size and dilution rate. Many facility managers find it helpful to bookmark this page so the calculator is always available when planning future stripping projects.

Start With Total Square Footage

Many floor stripping solutions are applied at a standard coverage rate of 250 square feet per gallon of diluted stripper solution. The first step in your calculation is determining the total square footage of the floor being stripped.

To calculate the number of diluted gallons required, divide the total square footage by 250.

Example:
10,000 square feet ÷ 250 square feet per gallon = 40 gallons of diluted stripper solution

This number represents the total volume of ready-to-use stripper solution needed for one complete stripping pass.

Convert Diluted Gallons to Concentrate Needed

Once you know how many diluted gallons are required, the next step is determining how much concentrated stripper to purchase. This depends on the dilution ratio of the product you are using. Check the stripper label for dilution ratios. Recommendations may vary depending on the amount of buildup on the floor.

For example, a stripper that dilutes at 1:3 produces four gallons of diluted solution for every one gallon of concentrate. To determine how many gallons of concentrate are needed, divide the total diluted gallons by the number of gallons produced per concentrate gallon.

Example:
40 gallons of diluted solution ÷ 4 gallons per concentrate gallon = 10 gallons of concentrate

This means 10 gallons of concentrated stripper are required to strip 10,000 square feet of flooring using a 1:3 dilution.

Adjust for Multiple Strippings and Waste

This calculation assumes one application of floor stripper. If the floor has heavy finish buildup and requires multiple stripping passes, multiply your final concentrate amount by the number of applications required.

It is also recommended to add 5–10 percent to your final calculation to account for wasted product and improper dilution. This small overage helps prevent running short during the job.

Choosing the Right Stripper and Process

This article focuses on quantity calculations only. To determine which stripper is best for your specific floor type, finish condition, and environment, as well as the exact step-by-step stripping procedure, refer to the article, Best Practice Guide: How to Strip Floor Finish. Using the correct product and process is just as important as using the correct amount.

Hillyard Can Help You Plan

Accurately calculating floor stripper usage helps eliminate guesswork, reduce waste, and ensure consistent results across every stripping project. From product selection to dilution, application, and long-term maintenance planning, Hillyard’s experts can help you plan and execute your cleaning program, no matter how complex. With the right guidance, tools, and calculations, floor stripping becomes a controlled and predictable part of your maintenance strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the standard coverage rate for floor stripper?
  Floor stripper solutions are applied at a rate of 250 square feet per gallon of diluted solution.
• Do I need to adjust my calculation for multiple stripping passes?
  Yes. If a floor requires more than one stripping application, multiply your total concentrate requirement by the number of passes needed.
• Why should I add extra product to my final calculation?
  Adding 5–10 percent accounts for product waste or inaccurate dilution, helping prevent shortages during the job.