How to measure baseboard
Measure every wall where baseboard runs, add them up, and subtract door openings (about 3 ft for a standard interior door). Add 10–15% for miter and cope cuts—every inside or outside corner consumes a little extra.
Example: 48 ft perimeter − 3 ft door = 45 ft. Plus 10% = 49.5 ft ÷ 12 = 4.1 → 5 pieces of 12 ft.
Buying tips
- Longer pieces (16 ft) mean fewer scarf joints on long walls.
- Use the same calculation for crown molding (measure the ceiling perimeter) and shoe molding.
- Prefinished MDF is cheapest for painted trim; use PVC in damp basements and bathrooms.