How to Calculate Square Footage

Whether wallpapering a room, laying carpet, or fertilizing a lawn, it is important to calculate the square footage of the area. This will help determine the amount of materials needed for the job. Learn to easily calculate square footage by following these simple steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape Measure, Ruler, or Yard Stick
• Calculator
• Pen or Pencil
• Paper

1. 
    
   Use a measuring tape to measure the length and width of the area.

   For an area that is either square or rectangle, calculating square footage requires measurements of the length and the width of the area. Using a tape measure or yard stick, measure the complete length and width of the area of interest. This measurement should be measured in feet and inches. Be sure to accurately measure from one end of the area to the other.

2. 
    
   Width and Lenght of an Area

   Now that the length and width of the area have been measured, simply multiply the total length times the total width. This number will give the square footage of the area.

3. 
    

   Example: A room to be carpeted is 14 feet, 8inches long and 16 feet, 4 inches wide. What is the square footage of the room?
   
   Area = Length X Width
   Area = 14.8 X 16.4
   Area = 242.72 square feet

Resources

• Calculate Distance, Rate, and Time
• Calculate Area of a Triangle
• Calculate Area of a Circle
• Calculate Area of a Rectangle
• Calculate Circumference of a Circle

[sam1445]

on 3/30/2009 You converted inches to a decimal point without taking into consideration the fact that there are 12 inches per foot (rather than 10 as your calculations presume).

[GreenMomma]

on 3/29/2009 VERY GOOD EXPLANATION!

[tikrit01]

on 3/27/2009 I have been looking at apartments and this will definitely help!

[seradis]

on 3/27/2009 Great article! I always had trouble calculating square footage. Thanks! 5*

[sonni57]

on 3/26/2009 Good info on how to calculate square footage. I forgot how to do it.