How to use the square footage calculator
- Pick the shape that matches the space: rectangle, circle or triangle.
- Enter the measurements in feet (or meters). Convert inches to feet by dividing by 12, for example 6 in = 0.5 ft.
- If you have several identical areas, such as two bedrooms of the same size, enter how many.
- Optionally enter a price per square foot (or per m²) to see the total cost of flooring, sod, paint or installation.
The formulas
Rectangle: area = length × width Circle: area = π × (diameter ÷ 2)² Triangle: area = base × height ÷ 2Unit conversions
| From | To | Multiply by |
|---|---|---|
| Square feet | Square yards | ÷ 9 |
| Square feet | Square meters | ÷ 10.764 |
| Square meters | Square feet | × 10.764 |
| Square feet | Acres | ÷ 43,560 |
Worked example
A 12 × 15 ft living room:
- 12 × 15 = 180 sq ft, which is 180 ÷ 9 = 20 sq yd, or about 16.7 m².
- Flooring at $3 per sq ft would cost 180 × 3 = $540 before waste and installation.
Measuring tips
- Measure wall to wall at floor level, and round up to the nearest inch.
- For L-shaped rooms, split the floor into two rectangles, calculate each one and add them.
- When buying flooring, add a waste allowance. The tile and flooring calculator does this for you.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate square footage?
Multiply the length by the width, both in feet. A room that is 10 ft by 12 ft is 10 × 12 = 120 square feet.
How many square feet are in a square yard?
There are 9 square feet in one square yard, because a yard is 3 feet and 3 × 3 = 9.
How do I convert square meters to square feet?
Multiply square meters by about 10.764. For example, 20 m² is roughly 215 sq ft.
How do I measure an irregular room?
Break it into rectangles, circles or triangles, calculate each area separately and add them together. Subtract areas that should not be included, such as a fixed kitchen island.