How to Measure the Space on Kitchen Countertops
If you are considering replacing your kitchen countertops, the first thing to do is measure your existing counters. If you are simply trying to reorganize your kitchen to make it tidier or more efficient, measuring your countertops may help you better understand and utilize the space available. Measuring rectangular counters requires simple multiplication, while circular countertops require more computation according to a formula. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Clear off the countertops, if necessary, so you can access enough of the surface to measure.
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2
Measure the length and width of rectangular countertops in inches. Write down these numbers.
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3
Multiply the length by the width to find the area. For example, a countertop that is 40 inches long and 24 inches deep would be 960 square inches.
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4
For L-shaped counters, visually divide the space into two rectangles, then follow steps 2 and 3 for each rectangle and add the results together without measuring the same space twice.
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5
For circular countertops, measure the diameter (straight across the circle and through the center) and divide by 2 to get the radius. Multiply the radius by itself, then multiply by 3.14. For example, a circular countertop with a diameter of 36 inches has a radius of 18 inches (18 times 18 equals 324). Multiplying 324 by 3.14 gives you an area of approximately 1,017 square inches.
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To convert your results from square inches to square feet, divide each measurement in inches by 12 before you perform calculations so your measurements are in increments of feet. Using the example from step 3, 40 inches divided by 12 is 3.33, and 24 inches divided by 12 is 2, so 3.33 times 2 equals 6.66 square feet.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are replacing your countertops, remember to measure the backsplash too. Keep this figure separate from the surface area.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
