How do I calculate square footage?
Multiply length by width in feet. For an L-shaped room, split it into rectangles and add them: 14 × 12 ft is 168 sq ft and 8 × 6 ft is 48 sq ft, so the room is 216 sq ft, or 24 square yards.
Worked example: an L-shaped room
- Split the L into two rectangles that do not overlap: 14 × 12 ft and 8 × 6 ft.
- First rectangle: 14 × 12 = 168 sq ft.
- Second rectangle: 8 × 6 = 48 sq ft.
- Total: 168 + 48 = 216 sq ft.
- Square yards: 216 ÷ 9 = 24 sq yd.
Square footage of common room sizes
| Room | Square feet | Square yards | Square meters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 100 sq ft | 11.1 sq yd | 9.3 m² |
| 10 × 12 ft | 120 sq ft | 13.3 sq yd | 11.1 m² |
| 12 × 12 ft | 144 sq ft | 16.0 sq yd | 13.4 m² |
| 12 × 14 ft | 168 sq ft | 18.7 sq yd | 15.6 m² |
| 14 × 16 ft | 224 sq ft | 24.9 sq yd | 20.8 m² |
| 16 × 20 ft | 320 sq ft | 35.6 sq yd | 29.7 m² |
| 20 × 20 ft | 400 sq ft | 44.4 sq yd | 37.2 m² |
Measurements in feet and inches
Convert the inches to a decimal of a foot before you multiply: divide the inches by 12. A wall of 12 ft 6 in is 12.5 ft, and 10 ft 3 in is 10.25 ft. A 12 ft 6 in × 10 ft 3 in room is 12.5 × 10.25 = 128.1 sq ft.
| Inches | Feet |
|---|---|
| 3 in | 0.25 ft |
| 4 in | 0.33 ft |
| 6 in | 0.5 ft |
| 8 in | 0.67 ft |
| 9 in | 0.75 ft |
How the calculator works
Area of each rectangle = length × width
Total square feet = area 1 + area 2 + area 3
Square yards = square feet ÷ 9
Square meters = square feet × 0.0929
Once you have the square footage, use it in the flooring, tile, paint or mulch calculators. Add a waste allowance there, not here.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the square footage of an L-shaped room?
Split it into two rectangles that do not overlap, multiply length by width for each, and add the results.
How many square feet are in a square yard?
Nine. A square yard is 3 ft × 3 ft. Divide square feet by 9 to get square yards, which is how carpet is often priced.
How do I convert square feet to square meters?
Multiply by 0.0929. For example, 200 sq ft is about 18.6 m².
Do I include closets in the square footage?
Include any closet or alcove you plan to floor or paint. Leave out areas under fixed cabinets or built-ins.
Sources
- NIST, Unit Conversion