How to Measure the Square Footage for a House

Having an accurate calculation of your home's square footage is important for every homeowner. The number is necessary to help establish a house's worth. With some quick measurements and careful calculations, you can determine the square footage of your house.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Paper
• Measuring tape
• Calculator

Instructions

How to Measure the Square Footage for a House

1. Draw a diagram of your house's outline.

2. Measure the length of all the exterior walls in the house and round to the nearest inch. The exterior walls will give you the most accurate measurement of the house's size. Record all your measurements on your diagram.

3. Calculate the square footage of each area. Multiply length by width for square and rectangular areas. Multiply base length by height then divide by two to find the square footage of triangular areas. Add these numbers to find the total square footage of the house.

4. Determine which spaces are considered living areas. Living areas must be heated by a conventional heating system, intended for human occupancy and accessible from another living area. According to the American National Standards Institute, basements (even if they're finished) do not count, nor do attics and lofts if they are not accessible by a conventional stairway. Stairways are included on every level they serve, but any area that opens onto the floor below must be subtracted from the total square footage.

5. Subtract the square footage of nonliving areas from the total square footage of the house. The result is the square footage of your house.

Tips & Warnings

• Double-check your calculations. Hallways, closets and furnace rooms are included in the house's total square footage.

References

• American National Standards Institute house square footage standards