Square footage formulas
Break an irregular space into familiar shapes. Calculate each shape on its own, then add the results. This is usually more reliable than trying to force the whole outline into one formula.
| Shape | Formula |
|---|
| Rectangle | Length × Width |
| Square | Side × Side |
| Triangle | Base × Height ÷ 2 |
| Circle | π × Radius² |
| Trapezoid | (Base 1 + Base 2) × Height ÷ 2 |
Feet, inches, and unit conversions
Convert inches to a fraction of a foot before multiplying. Divide inches by 12: 6 inches is 0.5 ft, 3 inches is 0.25 ft, and 9 inches is 0.75 ft. The calculator does this conversion for you when feet and inches are entered in separate fields.
| From | Conversion |
|---|
| Square feet to square yards | Divide by 9 |
| Square feet to square meters | Divide by 10.7639 |
| Square feet to acres | Divide by 43,560 |
| Roof area to roofing squares | Divide by 100 |
Practical notes for common projects
Flooring and tile
Check the coverage printed on each box and round the box count up. Keep unopened spare material when possible because the same style or dye lot may be difficult to match later.
Paint
Wall texture, primer, color changes, and the number of coats affect coverage. Use the manufacturer’s label as the final guide rather than treating a general coverage figure as a guarantee.
Roofing
Pitch, overhangs, valleys, hips, dormers, and skylights can make the real roof surface larger than the building footprint. Use the result for early planning and confirm a final order with a qualified roofer.
Real estate
Finished living area, basements, garages, porches, and unfinished rooms may be reported differently depending on local practice. For a listing, appraisal, or legal document, follow the measurement standard used in your area.
Square Footage Calculator – Calculate Square Feet for Rooms, Flooring & More FAQs
How do I calculate square footage?
Multiply length by width. A 12-foot by 10-foot room equals 120 square feet.
How much extra flooring should I buy?
A 5% to 15% allowance is common for cuts, waste, pattern matching, and future repairs. Irregular rooms may need more.
Does the calculator work with feet and inches?
Yes. Enter feet and inches separately. The tool converts the measurements before calculating the area.