Introduction
Knowing how to calculate square footage is an essential skill for homeowners, renters, realtors, and contractors. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or just renovate your space, understanding the square footage can help you make informed decisions about pricing, decorating, and even furniture placement.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the basics of square footage calculation in a user-friendly, informative tone. By the end of the article, you’ll know how to measure the square footage of any room or space, and even convert different units of measurement for accuracy.
5 Simple Steps to Calculate Square Footage
Before we dive into the details of calculating square footage, let’s start with the basics. Here are five simple steps that anyone can follow to calculate the square footage of a room or space:
1. Measure the length and width
Using a tape measure, measure the length and width of the space you want to calculate the square footage of. Be sure to measure from wall to wall, and round up to the nearest inch or centimeter if necessary. Record these measurements in a notebook or on your phone.
2. Multiply length by width
Multiply the length and width measurements together. This will give you the total area of the space in square inches or square centimeters.
3. Convert to square feet
To convert the total area to square feet, divide the total area by 144 (for square inches) or 10,000 (for square centimeters).
4. Measure non-rectangular spaces
If your space is not rectangular, divide it up into smaller rectangular sections and measure each section separately. Then, add up the areas of all the sections to get the total square footage.
5. Add up the area of all the spaces
If you’re measuring multiple rooms or sections of your home, be sure to add up the square footage of each space to get the total square footage of your home.
How to Measure the Square Footage of Your Home Like a Pro
Now that you know the basics, let’s look at some tips and tricks for measuring square footage like a professional:
1. Use laser measurement tool for accuracy
If you want to ensure accuracy and save time, use a laser measurement tool to measure the length, width, and height of your space. These tools are easy to use and can give you accurate measurements in seconds.
2. Measure twice to ensure accuracy
Always measure twice to ensure accuracy. Even a small mistake in measurement can lead to a significant difference in square footage. Be sure to double-check your measurements before calculating the square footage.
3. Account for angled walls and irregular spaces
If your space has angled walls or irregular shapes, don’t worry. You can still calculate the square footage by treating these spaces as smaller rectangles and adding up the areas of each section.
4. Take into account vertical measurements
Don’t forget to take into account the height of the walls when measuring square footage. This is especially important for areas with high ceilings, as they can add to the overall square footage of a room.
A Beginner’s Guide to Finding the Square Footage of Any Room
Now that you have a good grasp of the basics and some pro tips, let’s dive into more detailed instructions for finding the square footage of any room:
1. Take account of walls, floors, and ceilings
When measuring square footage, be sure to account for the floors, walls, and ceilings. Measure the length and width of each surface and then multiply these measurements together to get the total area.
2. Measure ceiling heights
As previously mentioned, accounting for ceiling heights can add to the overall square footage of a room. Measure the height of the ceiling by measuring from the floor to the highest point of the ceiling. Record this measurement in your notebook or on your phone.
3. Account for nooks, crannies, and oddly shaped rooms
For irregularly shaped rooms, break the room into smaller rectangles and add the square footage of each rectangle. For nooks and crannies, measure the length and width of each surface and then add up the total area.
4. Use online calculators and spreadsheets
If you’re looking for an easy and quick solution, use online calculators and spreadsheets to calculate the square footage. These tools can save you time and ensure accuracy.
The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Calculating Square Footage
For a quick and easy guide to common room measurements and their respective square footage calculations, check out our cheat sheet below:
| Room Type | Length (ft.) | Width (ft.) | Square Footage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living Room | 20 | 15 | 300 |
| Kitchen | 15 | 10 | 150 |
| Bedroom | 12 | 10 | 120 |
| Bathroom | 6 | 8 | 48 |
Square Footage Made Easy: Tips and Tricks for Accurate Measurements
For even more tips and tricks for accurate square footage measurements, read on:
1. Mind windows, doors, and built-in features
When measuring a room, don’t forget to account for windows, doors, and any built-in features like cabinets or shelves. These areas will not be included in the square footage of the room.
2. Take into account stairs, lower levels, and attics
If you have stairs, a lower level, or an attic, be sure to measure these areas separately and add up the total square footage for an accurate measurement of your entire home.
3. Account for slanted ceilings
For rooms with slanted ceilings, measure the height of the ceiling at its highest point and use this measurement for the length of the rectangle. For the width, measure from the highest point to the point where the slanted ceiling meets the wall.
4. Measure rooms with open concept floor plans
For open concept floor plans, treat each area as its own rectangle and measure separately. Then add up the total square footage of all areas for the total square footage of the room.
From Feet to Squares: How to Convert Measurements for Accurate Square Footage
Conversion can sometimes be a roadblock between an accurate measurement or not. Here are some useful conversions to ensure accurate square footage calculations:
Converting Feet to Inches:
To convert feet to inches, simply multiply the number of feet by 12. For example, if your space measures 12 feet long, you would multiply 12 by 12 to get 144 inches.
Converting Inches to Yards:
To convert inches to yards, divide the number of inches by 36. For example, if your space measures 144 inches long, you would divide 144 by 36 to get 4 yards.
Other Useful Conversions:
- 1 square inch = 0.00694 square feet
- 1 square foot = 144 square inches
- 1 square yard = 9 square feet
- 1 square meter = 10.764 square feet
Conclusion
Congratulations, you are now equipped with all the information you need to accurately calculate the square footage of any room or space. Remember to measure twice, account for angled walls, take vertical measurements, and convert measurements as necessary for the most accurate results. With the tips and strategies provided in this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well on your way to measuring your own square footage like a pro.
