How to Measure Square Footage

If a homeowner wants to wallpaper the den, paint the foyer, or build a deck, the project will be much easier if the square footage is calculated. Laying ceramic tile on a floor will also require the use of mathematics. The formula for calculating square footage is not a difficult one to remember except when measuring for carpet. Carpet is calculated in square yards, but even that measurement starts with square footage.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Paper
• Pencil
• Calculator

Instructions

1. Measure the square footage of a wall for paint by measuring from the floor to the ceiling and from corner to corner. Next, multiply the height of the wall by its length for the square footage of that wall. If the walls are equal in size and shape, simply multiply the answer by the number of walls that need paint. If walls are different sizes, simply repeat the process for each wall and add them together to get the total square footage.

2. Calculate the floor areas that are going to receive new coverings in the same manner as the walls. First, measure the length of the room and then the width and record the numbers.

3. Measure any other area of the room that are adjacent to the larger part of the room. If this area is a bay window, measure the depth at its longest point. Then, measure the width at its widest point and record these numbers.

4. Calculate the overall coverage of the floor by multiplying the numbers in Step 2. Also, multiply the numbers resulting from Step 3. Add these totals to get the overall square footage.

5. Calculate the amount of carpet needed by dividing the total square footage by nine. Then, add about 20% for extra carpet needed for those nooks and crannies.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to keep measurements recorded to avoid repeating the measurements.

• Always check figures twice.

• If measuring for wall paper use the same method used for paint. Do not subtract any wall space where windows and doors are.

Resources

• Calculate Footage: Measure Your Home Inside and Out