Know your square footage? Calculate materials next:
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How to Calculate Square Footage
Square footage is the measurement of area in square feet. It's essential for flooring, painting, landscaping, and real estate projects.
Rectangle or Square
Multiply length by width:
Example: A room 12 ft Γ 10 ft = 120 square feet
Triangle
Multiply base by height, then divide by 2:
Circle
Multiply Ο (3.14159) by the radius squared:
Complex Rooms
For L-shaped or irregular rooms, divide into rectangles, calculate each, and add them together.
Common Uses for Square Footage
Flooring
Calculate sq ft to determine how much hardwood, laminate, tile, or carpet you need. Add 10% for waste.
Paint Coverage
One gallon of paint typically covers 350-400 sq ft. Calculate wall area (height Γ perimeter) minus windows and doors.
Mulch & Landscaping
Calculate the area of garden beds to determine cubic yards of mulch needed.
Real Estate
Square footage determines home value. Measure each room and add together for total living space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert square feet to square yards?
Divide square feet by 9. There are 9 square feet in one square yard.
How do I convert square feet to square meters?
Multiply square feet by 0.0929. Or divide by 10.764.
How much extra flooring should I buy?
Add 10% for standard installations, 15% for diagonal patterns or complex rooms.