How to Calculate Area of Walls

You must determine the size of the area you will be working on before ordering the paint or wall paper for your home project. To calculate the area of a wall section you will need to measure its dimensions. Then, using the measurements that you have taken and some high school math, you can figure out the area and order the right amount.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Draw a rough sketch of your wall section. Putting a simple drawing of the project on paper always helps to make sure you don't forget anything. From the sketch, you will know exactly what measurements you will need. By including irregular sections of the wall, you will avoid ordering more material than is required to complete the job.

2. Measure the height of the wall and note it on the drawing. Now measure the length of the wall and note its dimension on the drawing. If the wall section is of an irregular shape, separate the area into sections that are rectangular in nature and make sure that you measure all the smaller pieces of the area and note the dimensions on the drawing.

3. Take each section of the wall that appears in your drawing and calculate the area of that piece by multiplying the width by the height. Areas are additive so you can repeat this process for each section and then add them together at the end to find the total area of the wall to be worked. This will give you the information you need to order the right amount of primer, paint or wallpaper for your project.