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
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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
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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
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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
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Measure Each Room Separately
- Break down irregular shapes into basic geometric forms
- Include closets and built-in areas
- Exclude unfinished spaces unless specified
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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
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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
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For Irregular Shapes
- Break down into smaller regular shapes
- Calculate each section separately
- Add the areas together
- Double-check all measurements
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For Cost Calculations
- Always include extra material for waste
- Consider pattern matching requirements
- Factor in installation costs
- Add contingency for unexpected issues
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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