Rate Per Square Foot Calculator
Calculate the cost efficiency of your space or project
Calculation Results
How to Use the Rate Per Square Foot Calculator
Understanding the rate per square foot is essential for real estate investors, homeowners, and contractors. Whether you are comparing rental properties, calculating flooring costs, or estimating a commercial lease, this metric provides a standardized way to compare value across different sizes of spaces.
The Calculation Formula
The math behind this calculator is straightforward but powerful. It involves two primary steps:
- Determine Total Area: Multiply the Length of the space by the Width of the space.
Area = Length (ft) × Width (ft) - Calculate the Rate: Divide the Total Cost by the Total Area.
Rate per Sq Ft = Total Cost / Total Area
Practical Examples
You want to install hardwood in a living room that is 20 feet long and 15 feet wide. The total quote for materials and labor is $2,400.
- Area: 20 × 15 = 300 sq ft
- Rate: $2,400 / 300 = $8.00 per sq ft
An office suite costs $3,500 per month and measures 40 feet by 30 feet.
- Area: 40 × 30 = 1,200 sq ft
- Rate: $3,500 / 1,200 = $2.92 per sq ft per month
Why This Metric Matters
By breaking down costs to a per-square-foot basis, you can effectively compare apples to apples. A $500,000 home might seem expensive compared to a $450,000 home, but if the first home is 3,000 sq ft ($166/sq ft) and the second is only 2,000 sq ft ($225/sq ft), the larger home actually offers better value per unit of space.