Square Footage Calculator
Calculate the square footage of any area. Select your shape, enter the dimensions, and get results in square feet, square yards, square meters, and acres.
How to Measure a Room
Measuring square footage is one of the most common calculations for homeowners, real estate agents, and contractors. Follow these steps for accurate measurements:
- Clear the area. Move furniture and obstructions so you can measure wall to wall.
- Measure length and width. Use a tape measure and record dimensions in feet. Include inches as decimals (e.g., 12 feet 6 inches = 12.5 feet).
- Multiply length by width. The result is your area in square feet.
- For irregular rooms: Divide the room into rectangles, calculate each area separately, and add them together.
Measuring Irregular Rooms
Most rooms aren't perfect rectangles. L-shaped rooms, alcoves, and bay windows require you to break the space into simpler shapes:
- L-shaped rooms: Divide into two rectangles, measure each, and add the areas together.
- Rooms with alcoves: Measure the main rectangle, then add the alcove area.
- Rooms with closets: Measure the closet separately and add or exclude as needed.
- Round areas: Use the circle formula (pi x radius squared) for circular or semi-circular spaces.
Square Footage in Real Estate
In real estate, square footage is one of the most important metrics for determining property value. Here are key things to know:
- Gross vs. livable square footage: Gross includes walls and unusable space. Livable (net) square footage is the actual usable area.
- What's included: Most listings include all finished, heated spaces. Garages, unfinished basements, and attics are typically excluded.
- Price per square foot: Divide the home's price by its square footage to compare values across properties. This varies widely by location.
- Verification: Always verify listed square footage with your own measurements or an appraiser, as discrepancies of 5-10% are common.
Price Per Square Foot
To calculate price per square foot, divide the total price by the total square footage. For example, a 1,500 sq ft home listed at $300,000 costs $200 per square foot. This metric is useful for comparing properties of different sizes in the same area.