About This Calculator

The Square Footage Calculator helps you determine the area of any space in square feet. Whether you’re planning a renovation, estimating materials for flooring, or listing a property, this calculator provides accurate measurements for various shapes including rectangles, triangles, and circles.

How to Calculate Square Footage

  1. For Rectangular Areas (most common):

    • Measure the length and width of the space
    • Multiply length × width
    • Example: A room 12 feet long by 10 feet wide = 120 square feet
  2. For Circular Areas:

    • Measure the radius (distance from center to edge)
    • Use the formula: π × radius²
    • Example: A circular room with 8-foot radius = 201.06 square feet
  3. For Triangular Areas:

    • Measure the base and height
    • Use the formula: (base × height) ÷ 2
    • Example: A triangular space with 10-foot base and 8-foot height = 40 square feet

Common Applications

Real Estate

  • Determining living space for property listings
  • Calculating price per square foot
  • Comparing property sizes
  • Meeting building code requirements

Construction and Renovation

  • Ordering materials (flooring, carpet, tile)
  • Estimating paint coverage
  • Planning room layouts
  • Calculating material costs

Home Improvement

  • Flooring Projects: Add 10% extra for cuts and waste
  • Paint Coverage: One gallon typically covers 350-400 square feet
  • Carpet Installation: Consider room width for minimal seams
  • Tile Work: Account for pattern and layout waste

Tips for Accurate Measurement

  1. Measure Each Room Separately

    • Break down irregular shapes into basic geometric forms
    • Include closets and built-in areas
    • Exclude unfinished spaces unless specified
  2. Standard Practices

    • Measure to the nearest inch for accuracy
    • Include all usable living space
    • Exclude outdoor areas unless covered
    • Consider wall thickness for exterior measurements
  3. What to Include/Exclude Include:

    • All finished living areas
    • Closets and storage spaces
    • Finished basements and attics

    Exclude:

    • Unfinished areas
    • Patios and porches (unless enclosed)
    • Garages (unless converted)
    • Utility spaces

Unit Conversions

  • 1 square foot = 144 square inches
  • 1 square foot = 0.093 square meters
  • 1 square yard = 9 square feet
  • 1 acre = 43,560 square feet

Professional Tips

  1. For Irregular Shapes

    • Break down into smaller regular shapes
    • Calculate each section separately
    • Add the areas together
    • Double-check all measurements
  2. For Cost Calculations

    • Always include extra material for waste
    • Consider pattern matching requirements
    • Factor in installation costs
    • Add contingency for unexpected issues
  3. For Real Estate

    • Follow local measurement standards
    • Document all measurements
    • Include/exclude areas as per local practice
    • Consider ANSI guidelines if applicable

Square Footage Calculator

Calculate area and cost for different shapes