Measurement
How to Measure Square Footage
Measure square feet for rooms, slabs, beds, and project areas using simple shapes.
Open Square Footage CalculatorUse simple shapes
Most project areas can be split into rectangles, triangles, circles, or L-shapes. Measure each shape, calculate its area, then add the results.
Keep units consistent
Do not multiply feet by inches without converting. Convert inches to feet by dividing by 12, or keep all dimensions in feet before calculating.
Match the material
Flooring and tile use floor area. Paint uses wall area. Concrete and mulch use area plus depth to calculate volume.
Use The Calculator With This Guide
This guide explains the measuring method, while the Square Footage Calculator turns the same measurements into project quantities, waste-adjusted results, and a copyable shopping list. Use the guide first when you are deciding what to measure, then use the calculator when you are ready to compare material amounts.
Open Square Footage CalculatorMeasurement Checks
- Measuring only one side of an L-shaped room.
- Mixing feet and inches without converting.
- Using floor area for wall paint without accounting for wall height.
Formula Reference
Rectangle area = length × width
Triangle area = base × height / 2
Circle area = π × radius²
L-shape area = outer_rectangle - cutout_rectangle
FAQ
How do I measure an L-shaped room?
Measure the full outer rectangle, measure the missing cutout, then subtract the cutout area from the outer area.
Should I add waste to square footage?
Add waste in the material estimate. Tile, flooring, concrete, and mulch use different waste assumptions.