Square Footage Calculator

Category: Housing/Building
- May 03, 2025
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Calculate the square footage (area) of various spaces and shapes for flooring, painting, landscaping, and other home improvement projects.

Space Type

Rectangular Room Dimensions

ft
ft

Additional Options

About Square Footage

Square footage (or square meter in metric) is a measurement of area, which is the size of a two-dimensional surface. It's commonly used in real estate, construction, and home improvement projects to determine the size of rooms, homes, and land.

Common Formula
  • Rectangle: Area = Length × Width
  • Circle: Area = π × Radius²
  • Triangle: Area = (Base × Height) á 2
  • L-Shape: Calculate as two rectangles and add them together
Unit Conversions
  • 1 square foot (ft²) = 144 square inches (in²)
  • 1 square foot (ft²) = 0.111 square yards (yd²)
  • 1 square foot (ft²) = 0.0929 square meters (m²)
  • 1 square meter (m²) = 10.764 square feet (ft²)
  • 1 acre = 43,560 square feet (ft²)
  • 1 hectare = 10,000 square meters (m²) = 2.471 acres
Tips for Measuring
  • Always measure to the nearest 1/8 inch or millimeter for accuracy
  • For irregular shapes, break them down into regular shapes (rectangles, triangles, etc.)
  • When measuring for flooring, add 5-10% extra for waste and cuts
  • For walls, subtract windows and doors from the total wall area when calculating paint

Understanding Square Footage: Key Formulas

Rectangular Area: Area = Length × Width

Circular Area: Area = π × Radius²

Triangular Area: Area = (Base × Height) ÷ 2

L-Shaped Area: Area = Main Rectangle + Extension

What Is the Square Footage Calculator?

The Square Footage Calculator is an interactive tool that helps you quickly and accurately calculate floor area for a wide range of projects. Whether you're planning to install new flooring, paint walls, or assess materials for landscaping, this square footage tool provides the measurements you need in your preferred units.

How the Calculator Helps You

This calculator is ideal for homeowners, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts. It simplifies area measurement tasks that are often needed for:

  • Flooring installation (useful with a flooring cost estimator)
  • Painting walls (linked to a paint coverage estimator)
  • Concrete planning (works alongside a concrete volume estimator)
  • Garden design and landscaping (mulch coverage guide or gravel fill measurement)
  • Tiling and drywall work

How to Use the Square Footage Tool

The calculator is designed for ease of use. Follow these simple steps:

  • Select a space type: Choose from room shapes like rectangular, L-shaped, circular, or custom.
  • Enter dimensions: Input the relevant length, width, diameter, or height values.
  • Choose units: Switch between imperial (feet/inches) and metric (meters/centimeters).
  • Get results: Click “Calculate Area” to instantly get the area in square feet, meters, or your chosen unit.
  • View breakdowns: For multi-room spaces, see room-by-room results and percentage of total area.
  • Adjust settings: Customize decimal precision and view results in alternative units like acres or hectares.

Who Should Use This Calculator?

This tool is helpful for anyone needing precise area estimates:

  • Homeowners planning renovations
  • Real estate agents measuring room sizes
  • Contractors and builders estimating materials
  • Landscapers calculating surface area for gravel, mulch, or sod

How It Supports Other Estimators

Knowing your square footage is the first step in using many other calculators effectively, such as:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is square footage?
Square footage is a measure of area, commonly used in construction and real estate to represent the size of a space. It is measured in square feet (ft²) or square meters (m²).

Can I use metric units?
Yes. You can switch between imperial and metric units depending on your region or project preferences.

What if my room shape is irregular?
You can break the space into simpler shapes like rectangles or triangles and calculate each separately, or use the custom dimensions option if you already know the total area.

Does this work for outdoor spaces?
Absolutely. You can use the calculator for patios, gardens, lawns, or any surface area measurement task.

How accurate are the results?
The tool is as accurate as the inputs provided. For best results, use a reliable measuring tape and measure to the nearest 1/8 inch or millimeter.

Tips for Better Results

  • Always double-check your measurements before entering them.
  • For projects like flooring, add 5–10% extra for material waste.
  • Use the room breakdown for multi-room comparisons or budgeting.
  • Refer to a foundation material guide or floor tiling estimate to plan beyond area.

Conclusion

Whether you're installing new floors, calculating paint for walls, or preparing for a concrete pour, this square footage calculator is a reliable starting point. It supports a wide range of projects, integrates with other tools like a gravel volume estimator or roofing cost estimator, and provides quick, clear, and usable results.