.sf-calc-container {
max-width: 600px;
margin: 20px auto;
padding: 30px;
background: #f8f9fa;
border-radius: 8px;
box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
}
.sf-calc-title {
text-align: center;
margin-bottom: 25px;
color: #2c3e50;
font-size: 24px;
font-weight: bold;
}
.sf-input-group {
margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.sf-label {
display: block;
margin-bottom: 8px;
font-weight: 600;
color: #34495e;
}
.sf-input {
width: 100%;
padding: 12px;
border: 1px solid #ddd;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 16px;
box-sizing: border-box;
transition: border-color 0.3s;
}
.sf-input:focus {
border-color: #3498db;
outline: none;
}
.sf-btn {
width: 100%;
padding: 14px;
background-color: #2980b9;
color: white;
border: none;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 16px;
font-weight: bold;
cursor: pointer;
transition: background-color 0.2s;
}
.sf-btn:hover {
background-color: #1f6391;
}
.sf-result-box {
margin-top: 25px;
padding: 20px;
background-color: #e8f6f3;
border: 1px solid #a2d9ce;
border-radius: 4px;
text-align: center;
display: none;
}
.sf-result-label {
color: #16a085;
font-size: 14px;
text-transform: uppercase;
letter-spacing: 1px;
margin-bottom: 5px;
}
.sf-result-value {
color: #0e6655;
font-size: 32px;
font-weight: bold;
}
.sf-error {
color: #c0392b;
font-size: 14px;
margin-top: 5px;
display: none;
}
/* Article Styles */
.sf-article {
max-width: 800px;
margin: 40px auto;
padding: 20px;
line-height: 1.6;
color: #333;
font-family: inherit;
}
.sf-article h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
border-bottom: 2px solid #eee;
padding-bottom: 10px;
margin-top: 30px;
}
.sf-article p {
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.sf-article ul {
margin-bottom: 15px;
padding-left: 20px;
}
.sf-article li {
margin-bottom: 8px;
}
function toggleInputs() {
var mode = document.getElementById('calcMode').value;
var moneyLabel = document.getElementById('moneyLabel');
var resultLabel = document.getElementById('resultLabel');
var moneyInput = document.getElementById('moneyInput');
if (mode === 'findRate') {
moneyLabel.innerText = "Total Price ($)";
moneyInput.placeholder = "e.g. 500000";
resultLabel.innerText = "Estimated Rate per Sq Ft";
} else {
moneyLabel.innerText = "Rate per Sq Ft ($)";
moneyInput.placeholder = "e.g. 250";
resultLabel.innerText = "Estimated Total Price";
}
// Hide result and error when switching modes
document.getElementById('resultBox').style.display = 'none';
document.getElementById('errorMsg').style.display = 'none';
// Clear inputs
document.getElementById('areaInput').value = ";
document.getElementById('moneyInput').value = ";
}
function calculateSFRate() {
var mode = document.getElementById('calcMode').value;
var area = parseFloat(document.getElementById('areaInput').value);
var money = parseFloat(document.getElementById('moneyInput').value);
var errorMsg = document.getElementById('errorMsg');
var resultBox = document.getElementById('resultBox');
var resultValue = document.getElementById('resultValue');
// Reset display
errorMsg.style.display = 'none';
resultBox.style.display = 'none';
// Validation
if (isNaN(area) || isNaN(money) || area <= 0 || money < 0) {
errorMsg.style.display = 'block';
return;
}
var finalResult = 0;
if (mode === 'findRate') {
// Formula: Price / Area
finalResult = money / area;
resultValue.innerText = "$" + finalResult.toLocaleString('en-US', {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}) + " / sq ft";
} else {
// Formula: Rate * Area
finalResult = money * area;
resultValue.innerText = "$" + finalResult.toLocaleString('en-US', {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
}
resultBox.style.display = 'block';
}
Understanding the SF Rate Calculator
Whether you are evaluating a real estate investment, estimating construction costs, or determining commercial rental prices, understanding the Square Footage (SF) Rate is essential. The SF Rate Calculator is designed to instantly compute the cost per square foot or the total expected price based on standard market metrics.
What is an SF Rate?
The "SF Rate" (Price per Square Foot) is a universal metric used to normalize the cost of properties or projects regardless of their size. It allows buyers, tenants, and contractors to compare the value of a 1,000 sq ft property directly against a 2,500 sq ft property.
The formula is simple but powerful:
- To find Rate: Total Price ÷ Total Square Footage = Price per SF
- To find Total Price: Price per SF × Total Square Footage = Total Price
How to Use This Calculator
Our tool offers two distinct modes depending on the data you have available:
1. Calculating Rate per Sq Ft
Use this mode when you know the total listing price and the size of the property. For example, if a home is listed at $450,000 and is 2,000 sq ft, the calculator will determine the efficiency of that price.
2. Calculating Total Price
Use this mode for estimating budget or construction bids. If you know that the average building cost in your area is $180 per sq ft and you intend to build a 3,000 sq ft home, this mode will calculate your projected total budget.
Why SF Rate Matters in Real Estate
Benchmarking: In residential real estate, looking at the SF rate helps identify outliers. A home with a significantly lower SF rate than the neighborhood average might be a bargain or require significant renovations.
Commercial Leases: Commercial real estate often quotes prices as an "Annual SF Rate." For instance, an office space might be listed at "$25/sq ft." This usually means the annual rent is $25 multiplied by the square footage, not the monthly rent.
Construction Estimates: Contractors typically bid on projects using an SF rate that encompasses materials, labor, and overhead. Knowing the average SF rate for construction in your zip code is vital for securing a fair loan or bid.
Factors Influencing SF Rate
While the calculation is mathematical, the variables that drive the rate are subjective:
- Location: High-demand urban centers command higher SF rates than rural areas.
- Condition: Turn-key properties have higher rates than fixer-uppers.
- Type of Usage: Medical or industrial square footage costs differ drastically from residential space.
Use this calculator as a starting point for your financial analysis to ensure your property decisions are backed by solid math.