How to Figure the Square Footage for Counter Tops

New countertops update the look of a kitchen.

Countertops for kitchens and bathrooms are traditionally sold by the square foot, regardless of the material. To get a rough estimate of the cost to replace a countertop you must calculate the square footage of material needed.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Calculator

Instructions

1. Use a tape measure to measure the number of linear feet of base cabinets. Measure along the back edge of cabinetry; be sure to account for the length of countertop in a corner only once. Multiply whole feet by 12 to get inches and add the remaining number of inches--12 feet 6 inches would be calculated as (12 x 12) + 6 = 150 inches of linear countertop.

2. Measure the depth of cabinets in inches and add the desired overhang (a typical countertop overhang is 1 1/2 inches)--24 inches + 1 1/2 inch overhang = 25 1/2 inches.

3. Multiply the number of linear inches by the desired depth--150 inches x 25-1/2 inches = 3825 square inches. Divide this number by 12 to get the square footage required--3825 / 12 = 318.75 square feet. Round up to the nearest square foot.

4. Determine the desired length and width in inches of counter spaces such as islands and bars. Multiply the width by the length and divide by 12 for the total square feet of counter needed--50 inches wide x 70 inches long = 3500 square inches; 3500 / 12 = 291.66667 square feet. Round this up to the nearest square foot and add to the total square footage for linear countertops--292 + 319 = 611 square feet.

References

• Countertops, Inc.: Measuring your Countertop