Square Footage Calculator
Calculate area in square feet (or square meters) for a room, floor or yard, and estimate the material cost based on price per square foot.
How to use the Square Footage Calculator
- Enter your inputs into the Square Footage Calculator above.
- Results update instantly as you type — no submit button needed.
- Adjust any value to see how the result changes in real time.
The area + cost formulas
Area = Length × Width (rectangle) · · · Cost = Area × Price/ft² · · · For odd shapes: sum sub-rectangles
For non-rectangular rooms, break into rectangles, calculate each area, and sum. Always add 5–15% waste factor for flooring and tile to account for cuts.
Worked example
A 14 ft × 16 ft bedroom + 4 ft × 8 ft closet: 224 + 32 = 256 ft². At $5.99/ft² for laminate flooring plus 10% waste: 281.6 ft² × $5.99 ≈ $1,687 in material.
Frequently asked questions
How much waste should I add?
Carpet: 5–10%. Tile and laminate: 10–15%. Hardwood and herringbone: 15–20%. Mosaic and complex patterns: 20%+. Save excess for future repairs.
Do I include closets and offsets?
Yes — include every flat floor surface that will be covered. Skip permanent fixtures (toilets, kitchen islands) but include the floor area around them.
How is gross vs. net square footage different?
Gross includes walls and structure. Net (or finished/usable) excludes them. Real estate listings usually use gross; flooring calculations use net (interior floor area).