.calc-container { background: #ffffff; padding: 25px; border-radius: 12px; box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(0,0,0,0.1); margin-bottom: 30px; }
.calc-title { font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #2c3e50; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align: center; border-bottom: 2px solid #3498db; padding-bottom: 10px; }
.input-group { margin-bottom: 15px; }
.input-group label { display: block; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 5px; color: #444; }
.input-group input { width: 100%; padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 6px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; }
.calc-button { width: 100%; background-color: #3498db; color: white; padding: 14px; border: none; border-radius: 6px; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer; transition: background 0.3s; margin-top: 10px; }
.calc-button:hover { background-color: #2980b9; }
.result-box { margin-top: 25px; padding: 20px; border-radius: 6px; background-color: #e8f4fd; display: none; text-align: center; border-left: 5px solid #3498db; }
.result-value { font-size: 28px; font-weight: 800; color: #2c3e50; }
.result-label { font-size: 16px; color: #7f8c8d; }
.article-section { margin-top: 40px; }
.article-section h2 { color: #2c3e50; border-left: 4px solid #3498db; padding-left: 15px; margin-top: 30px; }
.example-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 20px 0; }
.example-table th, .example-table td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 12px; text-align: left; }
.example-table th { background-color: #f2f2f2; }
function calculateRate() {
var price = document.getElementById("totalPrice").value;
var sqft = document.getElementById("totalSqFt").value;
var resultBox = document.getElementById("resultBox");
var resultDisplay = document.getElementById("resultDisplay");
var summaryDisplay = document.getElementById("summaryDisplay");
if (price === "" || sqft === "" || parseFloat(sqft) <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid total price and a square footage greater than zero.");
return;
}
var rate = parseFloat(price) / parseFloat(sqft);
resultDisplay.innerHTML = "$" + rate.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
summaryDisplay.innerHTML = "Based on " + parseFloat(sqft).toLocaleString() + " sq ft at a total cost of $" + parseFloat(price).toLocaleString();
resultBox.style.display = "block";
}
How to Calculate Per Square Foot Rate
Understanding the rate per square foot is essential for homebuyers, real estate investors, and commercial renters. It provides a standardized metric to compare different properties, regardless of their total size. Whether you are looking at a compact studio apartment or a sprawling industrial warehouse, the price per square foot (PPSF) reveals the true market value relative to space.
The Basic Formula for Rate Per Square Foot
The calculation is straightforward. You divide the total cost of the property by the total square footage of the space.
Rate Per Sq Ft = Total Price รท Total Square Footage
Step-by-Step Calculation Guide
- Determine the Total Price: Use the final asking price, the purchase price, or the total construction cost.
- Measure the Total Area: Ensure you are using "livable" square footage or "gross" square footage depending on your local real estate standards.
- Perform the Division: Divide the amount from Step 1 by the amount from Step 2.
Real-World Examples
| Property Type |
Total Price |
Square Footage |
Rate Per Sq Ft |
| Residential Home |
$450,000 |
2,000 sq ft |
$225.00 |
| Luxury Condo |
$1,200,000 |
1,500 sq ft |
$800.00 |
| Small Office |
$250,000 |
800 sq ft |
$312.50 |
Why Does Rate Per Sq Ft Matter?
In real estate, the total price can often be misleading. A $600,000 home might seem more expensive than a $550,000 home, but if the first home is 3,000 sq ft ($200/sq ft) and the second is 2,000 sq ft ($275/sq ft), the first home actually offers better value per unit of space. Investors use this metric to identify underpriced properties and to estimate the cost of new construction projects.
Factors That Influence the Rate
- Location: Properties in city centers or high-demand neighborhoods always command a higher PPSF.
- Condition: Newly renovated spaces will have a higher rate than "fixer-uppers."
- Amenities: Features like high-end finishes, pools, or smart home technology increase the per square foot value.
- Market Trends: Inventory levels and interest rates can cause the average PPSF in a region to fluctuate monthly.