How to Calculate Square Footage
Multiply length by width. That's it. A 14 × 12 foot room is 168 square feet. For an entire home, measure each room individually and add them together. This calculator does the addition automatically and converts to square meters and acres.
- Measure length and width. Use a tape measure along the longest wall (length) and the perpendicular wall (width). Measure to the nearest half-foot for accuracy.
- Multiply. Length × width = square footage. A 12 × 10 room = 120 sq ft. A 15 × 20 living room = 300 sq ft.
- Repeat for each room. Measure bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, hallways, and closets separately. Add every room to this calculator for a running total.
- Sum the total. Your home's total square footage is all rooms combined. Exclude garage, unfinished basement, and outdoor spaces from livable square footage.
Average Home Sizes in the US
Knowing average sizes helps you benchmark your space. The median US home is 2,014 sq ft (Census Bureau 2023). Here's how common home types compare:
| Home Type | Average Sq Ft | Sq Meters | Typical Rooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | 400–600 | 37–56 | 1 open room + bath |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | 600–800 | 56–74 | 2–3 rooms |
| 2-Bedroom Home | 900–1,200 | 84–111 | 4–5 rooms |
| 3-Bedroom Home | 1,200–2,000 | 111–186 | 5–7 rooms |
| 4-Bedroom Home | 2,000–3,500 | 186–325 | 7–10 rooms |
| Median US Home | 2,014 | 187 | 6–8 rooms |
Flooring Cost per Square Foot (2025–2026)
Square footage is the first number any contractor asks for. Once you know your total area, multiply by the cost per square foot to budget flooring, painting, or renovation projects.
| Flooring Type | Cost per Sq Ft (installed) | 1,000 Sq Ft Total |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $3–$8 | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Vinyl Plank (LVP) | $4–$10 | $4,000–$10,000 |
| Carpet | $3–$11 | $3,000–$11,000 |
| Ceramic Tile | $7–$15 | $7,000–$15,000 |
| Engineered Hardwood | $6–$15 | $6,000–$15,000 |
| Solid Hardwood | $8–$20 | $8,000–$20,000 |
Prices include installation. Material-only costs are typically 40–60% of the installed total. Always order 10% extra for cuts and waste.
Square Feet to Square Meters and Acres
1 square foot = 0.0929 square meters. 1 acre = 43,560 square feet. The calculator converts automatically, but here are the quick formulas:
- Sq ft to sq m: multiply by 0.0929. Example: 1,500 sq ft × 0.0929 = 139.4 sq m.
- Sq m to sq ft: multiply by 10.764. Example: 100 sq m × 10.764 = 1,076.4 sq ft.
- Sq ft to acres: divide by 43,560. Example: 10,000 sq ft ÷ 43,560 = 0.2296 acres.
Related Calculators
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