Square Footage Calculator
Results:
Base Area: 0 sq. ft.
Total with Waste: 0 sq. ft.
(Equivalent to 0 sq. yards or 0 sq. meters)
How to Calculate Square Feet Correcty
Calculating square footage is a fundamental skill for home improvement projects, real estate, and interior design. Whether you are ordering hardwood floors, painting a bedroom, or measuring a lawn for sod, getting the numbers right prevents overspending or running out of materials mid-project.
The Basic Square Footage Formula
For a standard rectangular or square room, the formula is simple:
Area = Length (ft) × Width (ft)
Handling Inches in Your Measurements
Most rooms aren't perfect round numbers. If a room is 10 feet 6 inches long, you cannot simply multiply 10.6. You must convert the inches to a decimal of a foot by dividing by 12.
- 6 inches = 6 / 12 = 0.5 feet
- 3 inches = 3 / 12 = 0.25 feet
- 9 inches = 9 / 12 = 0.75 feet
Therefore, 10 feet 6 inches becomes 10.5 feet.
Why Include a Waste Factor?
When ordering materials like tile, laminate, or carpet, professionals always recommend adding a "waste factor." This accounts for:
- Cuts needed to fit corners and edges.
- Accidental breakage or mistakes.
- Natural variations in material (like knots in wood).
Common Waste Guidelines:
• Tile (Simple Pattern): 10%
• Tile (Diagonal/Herringbone): 15-20%
• Hardwood Flooring: 10%
• Carpet: 10%
Practical Example
Imagine you have a room that measures 12′ 4″ long and 15′ 8″ wide. You want to install tile and plan for a 10% waste factor.
- Convert to Decimals: 12′ 4″ = 12.33 ft. | 15′ 8″ = 15.67 ft.
- Calculate Base Area: 12.33 × 15.67 = 193.21 sq. ft.
- Add Waste: 193.21 × 1.10 = 212.53 sq. ft.
- Result: You should purchase at least 213 square feet of tile.