How to Calculate Square Footage

Methods for calculating square footage

Basic rectangular rooms

• Measure length and width: Use a tape measure to determine the length and width of the room in feet for square footage calculation
• Multiply length by width: This gives you the square footage of the room, essential in how to calculate square footage
• Round to nearest inch: For more precise measurements when calculating square footage, round to the nearest inch (1/12 of a foot)

Irregular shapes

• Divide into rectangles: Break down complex shapes into smaller rectangles, calculate each separately, and sum the results for accurate square footage calculation
• Use specialized formulas: For triangles, multiply base by height and divide by 2; for circles, use πr² when measuring room square feet
• Online calculators: Utilize square footage calculators for complex shapes to simplify the process of how to calculate square footage

Whole house calculations

• Exterior measurements: Sketch the home's footprint and measure exterior walls for the most accurate total square footage calculation
• Interior room-by-room: Sum the square footage of individual rooms for a close approximation when calculating square footage
• Compare methods: Use both exterior and interior methods for the most accurate result in square footage calculation

What to include in calculations

• Living spaces: Include all finished, habitable areas when calculating square footage
• Staircases: Count towards the square footage of the floor from which they descend when measuring room square feet
• Exclude unfinished areas: Don't include garages, attics, or rooms with ceiling height under 7 feet for more than 50% of the area in square footage calculations

Conversion factors

• Square inches to square feet: Divide by 144 (12 inches = 1 foot, so 12² = 144) when converting for square footage calculation
• Square meters to square feet: Multiply by 10.764 to calculate square footage
• Square feet to square meters: Multiply by 0.0929 when converting from square feet

Industry standards for office space

• Average square footage per employee: 122-225 sq. ft. recommended, with an average of 196 sq. ft. in 2020 for office square footage calculations
• Office density categories:
  • High density: 80-150 sq. ft. per employee
  • Average density: 150-250 sq. ft. per employee
  • Spacious: 250-500 sq. ft. per employee when measuring room square feet for offices

FAQ

How do I calculate square footage for a rectangular room?

To calculate square footage for a rectangular room, measure the length and width of the room in feet, then multiply these two numbers together. For example, if a room is 10 feet long and 12 feet wide, the square footage is 10 x 12 = 120 square feet.

What's the best method for square footage calculation of an entire house?

The best method for square footage calculation of an entire house is to use exterior measurements. Sketch the home's footprint and measure the exterior walls. This provides the most accurate total square footage. For a close approximation, you can also sum the square footage of individual rooms measured from the inside.

How do I handle measuring room square feet for irregular shapes?

For measuring room square feet of irregular shapes, divide the area into smaller rectangles. Calculate the square footage of each rectangle separately, then add them together. For triangular areas, multiply the base by the height and divide by 2. For circular areas, use the formula πr² (pi times radius squared).

What should I include when calculating square footage for a house?

When calculating square footage for a house, include all finished, habitable areas. This typically means living spaces like bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. Staircases should be counted towards the floor from which they descend. Exclude unfinished areas like garages, attics, or rooms with ceiling heights under 7 feet for more than 50% of the area.

How do I convert between different units for square footage calculation?

For square footage calculation conversions: To convert square inches to square feet, divide by 144. To convert square meters to square feet, multiply by 10.764. To convert square feet to square meters, multiply by 0.0929. These conversion factors are essential when measuring room square feet in different units.