Whether you're buying flooring, painting a wall, or listing a home for sale, knowing the square footage is essential. Here's how to calculate it — the simple way.
The Basic Formula
Square Feet = Length (ft) × Width (ft)
For a rectangular room, just measure the length and width in feet and multiply.
Example: 12 ft × 10 ft Bedroom
12 × 10 = 120 square feet
Irregular Rooms
For L-shaped or odd rooms, split the space into rectangles, calculate each one, then add them together.
Materials You Can Estimate
| Project | What You Need |
|---|---|
| Flooring | Add 10% extra for cuts and waste |
| Carpet | Add 5-10% for waste |
| Paint | 1 gallon covers ~350 sq ft |
| Tile | Add 10-15% for breakage |
💡 Pro Tip: Always buy slightly more material than you need — returns are easier than running out mid-project.
Converting Other Units
- 1 square meter = 10.764 square feet
- 1 square yard = 9 square feet
- 1 acre = 43,560 square feet
Try Our Tools
Use our Unit Converter for metric conversions, or the Concrete Calculator when your project needs a slab or foundation.
*Measure smart and save money — use our free calculators for every project.*
