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Square Footage Formula:
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Square footage is a measurement of area expressed in square feet. It represents the total floor space of a property or room and is commonly used in real estate, construction, and interior design to quantify space.
The formula for calculating square footage is:
Where:
Explanation: For rectangular spaces, simply multiply the length by the width. For irregularly shaped areas, divide the space into rectangular sections, calculate each separately, then sum the results.
Details: Accurate square footage calculation is essential for property valuation, determining material quantities for construction or renovation projects, space planning, and complying with building codes and regulations.
Tips: Enter both length and width measurements in feet. Ensure measurements are taken at floor level and represent the actual usable space. For accuracy, measure to the nearest inch and convert to decimal feet (divide inches by 12).
Q1: Should I include closets and alcoves in my measurement?
A: Yes, include all contiguous space within the exterior walls, including closets, alcoves, and built-in features.
Q2: How do I measure irregularly shaped rooms?
A: Divide the space into rectangular sections, calculate each area separately, then add them together for the total square footage.
Q3: Do I measure from inside or outside the walls?
A: For interior space calculations, measure from the interior surface of the walls. For exterior measurements (like property size), measure from the outside.
Q4: How accurate should my measurements be?
A: For most purposes, measuring to the nearest inch is sufficient. For official documents or construction projects, greater precision may be required.
Q5: Does square footage include multiple stories?
A: Total property square footage typically includes all finished above-grade floors. Each story should be calculated separately and then summed.