1. What is Square Footage Calculation?

Square footage calculation measures the total area of a home by summing the area of each individual room (length × width). It's essential for real estate valuation, renovation planning, and furniture placement.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Length} \) — Longest dimension of the room in feet
• \( \text{Width} \) — Shortest dimension of the room in feet
• \( \sum \) — Sum of all room areas

Explanation: For each rectangular room, multiply length by width to get area in square feet, then sum all room areas for the total.

3. Importance of Accurate Measurements

Details: Precise square footage affects property value (typically $150-$300 per sq ft), material estimates for renovations, and compliance with building codes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Measure at floor level, rounding to nearest inch
• Include closets and built-in areas
• For irregular rooms, divide into rectangles
• Exclude unfinished spaces like garages

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What counts as livable square footage?
A: Heated, finished spaces above grade (not garages, basements, or attics unless finished).

Q2: How do you measure rooms with alcoves?
A: Treat as separate rectangles, or measure maximum length/width ignoring alcoves if small.

Q3: Does square footage include wall thickness?
A: Typically measured from interior walls (painting surface to painting surface).

Q4: How accurate should measurements be?
A: For real estate purposes, ±2% is acceptable. For construction, measure to the inch.

Q5: How is square footage different from net area?
A: Net area excludes walls and mechanical spaces, while square footage includes all interior space.