How to figure out square footage? (2024)

How to figure out square footage? (1)

Started by alurker

over 13 years ago

Posts: 18

Member since: Oct 2009

Discussion about

Is there a "best practices" way to calculate the square footage of a home in this area?I've noticed a few things that seem odd to me, such as square footage calculated using external measurements (outside of the home), inclusion of basem*nts or cellars that could be finished but are not finished, etc.Also, if there is an outbuilding that needs gutting and renovation, then wouldn't that building be considered to be of a lower value per square foot (talking about an outbuilding that has a c/of/o)?Thoughts? Experiences? Advice?Thanks!

How to figure out square footage? (2)

Response by NYC10013

over 13 years ago

Posts: 464

Member since: Jan 2007

The correct way to calculate sq ft is from inside of outside walls, excluding unfinished space, since that's livable sq ft. Measuring from outside of outside walls is kind of a joke since walls can be 6 inches - 2 feet thick (bigger issue in NYC) - including unfinished sq ft is also a joke. But the reality is every broker out there tries to quote the highest possible sq ft so if you're trying to do comps then you either need to go measure the comps (which will probably be impossible) or just use the same screwed up methodology so you're comparing similar $ / sq ft.

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How to figure out square footage? (3)

Response by mym

over 13 years ago

Posts: 188

Member since: Jun 2009

Agree with nyc 10013. $./sq.foot is never sn exact science-there is no substitute for viewing the place and using your own judgement.

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How to figure out square footage? (4)

Response by alurker

over 13 years ago

Posts: 18

Member since: Oct 2009

Thanks to both of you for answering - your responses are in alignment with what made sense to me, but you know how it is our there...

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How to figure out square footage? (2024)

FAQs

How to figure out square footage? ›

Measure the length of the area and the width of the area (in feet). Then multiply those two numbers together and you will have the total square footage or area of the rectangle.

How do I figure out how much square footage I need? ›

The square footage calculation is simple. All you do is measure the length and width of a room. Then, multiply the two numbers.

How do you calculate square footage accurately? ›

Measure the length and width, in feet, of each room. Then, multiply the length by the width to calculate that room's square footage. For example: If a bedroom is 12 feet by 20 feet, it is 240 square feet (12 x 20 = 240). For each room, write the total square footage in the corresponding space on your sketch.

What is the formula for calculating square footage? ›

The next step in how to calculate square footage is to plug your measurements into the square footage formula: L x W = A (in square feet). How to find square feet: multiply the length measurement in feet by the width measurement (in feet).

How much square footage is enough? ›

How To Calculate What Size House You Need
Number of PeopleSquare Footage
1600 sq. ft.
21,200 sq. ft.
31,800 sq. ft.
42,400 sq. ft.
Oct 27, 2022

How to calculate the square? ›

Finding the Square of a Number is a simple method. We need to multiply the given number by itself to find its square number. The square term is always represented by a number raised to the power of 2. For example, the square of 6 is 6 multiplied by 6, i.e., 6×6 = 62 = 36.

How do I figure out how much is per square foot? ›

Price per square foot is typically calculated by dividing the purchase or list price of a home by the overall total square footage of the home. For example, if a 1,000 square feet home is priced at $200,000, the price per square foot is $200. Price per square foot is a metric frequently used in real estate.

What is the best trick to calculate square? ›

To square any number:
  • Subtract the last digit of the number being squared.
  • Add the last digit to the number being squared.
  • Multiply the numbers from Step 1 and Step 2.
  • Square the last digit of the number being squared and add it to the answer from Step 3.
Oct 12, 2022

What is square foot estimating method? ›

What is a Square Foot Estimate? In simple terms, square foot estimates use an historical cost per unit, which is one square foot, and multiply that cost by the total number of square feet a building is expected to be.

How to calculate area? ›

The basic formula for calculating area is Length times Width (LxW). If you are estimating the area for a rectangle you'll always use LxW. If you are calculating the area for a square you can multiply the length of one Side times itself, or (S2).

How to calculate square feet with 4 different sides? ›

First draw a sketch of the land based on the given dimensions. Then draw a suitable diagonal. Now calculate the area of the two triangles formed by the diagonal. Add the area of the two triangles to get the area of the land.

What is the formula for calculating area square? ›

A square is a 2D figure in which all the sides are of equal measure. Since all the sides are equal, the area would be length times width, which is equal to side × side.

How to calculate plot size? ›

To calculate the area of a plot, these formulas are to be followed: Rectangular or Square Land Parcel: Measure the length (L) and width (W) of the land in feet or metres. Multiply the length by the width to find the area: Area = L × W square units (e.g., square feet or square metres).

How is square footage calculated? ›

To calculate feet squared (or sq. ft. for short), determine the length and width of the area you are working with, measured in feet. Multiply the length by the width and you'll have the square feet. Here's a basic formula you can follow: Length (in feet) x width (in feet) = area in sq. ft.

What square footage do I need? ›

If you're a family of four, multiply 4 x 600. That would mean you should look for homes around 2,400 square feet. If it's just you and a partner or roommate, you'd multiply 2 x 600, and look for a home around 1,200 square feet.

What is the 5 foot rule for square footage? ›

According to the ANSI Guideline, to be included in the finished square footage count, rooms/spaces/areas are supposed to have a ceiling height of at least seven feet for over half of the space, and no portion of the finished area can have a ceiling height of less than 5 feet.

How many square feet is a 12x12 room? ›

In the case of a 12x12 room, simply multiply 12 by 12, resulting in 144 square feet.

How to calculate what size house you need? ›

The Number Of People In Your Home

You want to make sure each person living in the home has enough space to be happy and healthy. If you're a family of four, multiply 4 x 600. That would mean you should look for homes around 2,400 square feet.

How much square footage do I need per person? ›

In the United States, for example, the American Institute of Architects recommends a minimum of 200-400 square feet of space per person for a comfortable living environment. This includes space for sleeping, eating, bathing, and living activities. However, this is a general guideline and individual needs may vary.

What size room is 120 sq ft? ›

10 ft x 12 ft room = 120 sq. ft.

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