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How to Properly Measure Square Footage: A Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you’re buying, selling, or renovating a property, knowing how to properly measure square footage is essential. Square footage (sq. ft.) determines property value, pricing, and space utilization, making it a critical factor for real estate transactions, construction projects, and home improvements. In this guide, we’ll cover the correct methods for measuring square footage accurately, common mistakes to avoid, and why it matters in real estate.
Why Square Footage Matters
Square footage affects everything from home appraisals to tax assessments and market value. A precise measurement ensures:
- Accurate home valuation – Buyers and sellers rely on square footage to compare properties.
- Proper pricing – Real estate agents and appraisers determine price per square foot based on total area.
- Correct tax assessments – Property taxes are often calculated based on home size.
- Better space planning – Homeowners use square footage to plan renovations, furniture placement, and design layouts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Including non-livable areas like garages and unfinished basements.
- Measuring outside dimensions instead of interior space.
- Ignoring small spaces like hallways and closets, which still contribute to overall square footage.
- Not accounting for unusable space (e.g., sloped ceilings under 7 feet).
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Square Footage
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
To measure square footage, you’ll need:
- Measuring tape (preferably 25+ feet)
- Laser distance measurer (for larger areas)
- Graph paper or a digital measuring app
- Calculator
Step 2: Measure Room by Room
For each room, follow these steps:
- Measure the Length and Width
- Use your measuring tape or laser measurer to determine the length and width of the room in feet.
- If the room is irregularly shaped, divide it into smaller rectangles and measure each separately.
- Calculate the Square Footage
- Multiply the length by the width to get the area of the room.
- Example: A 12 ft. x 15 ft. bedroom = 180 square feet.
- Repeat for Each Room
- Include all living spaces such as bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and closets.
Step 3: Account for Irregular Spaces
Many homes have irregular spaces that need special attention:
- L-Shaped or Multi-Sided Rooms: Break them into rectangles, measure separately, and add the totals together.
- Bay Windows and Alcoves: If large enough to count as functional space, measure separately and add to the room’s square footage.
- Sloped Ceilings: Spaces with ceilings below 7 feet (e.g., attics) may not be considered in official square footage.
Step 4: Include Only Usable Living Space
Not all areas count toward a home’s total square footage. Generally, the following are included:
Included in Square Footage
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Closets
- Finished basements (if livable and accessible)
Not Included in Square Footage
- Unfinished basements
- Garages
- Attics (unless properly finished)
- Outdoor patios, decks, and balconies
Step 5: Add Up the Totals
Once all rooms are measured:
- Add up each individual room’s square footage.
- Ensure the total reflects only livable, finished spaces.
- Double-check measurements to confirm accuracy.
How Square Footage Impacts Home Value
Square footage is a key pricing factor in real estate. The more livable space a home has, the higher its market value. However, factors like location, layout, and condition also influence pricing.
Price Per Square Foot Calculation
To compare home values, use this formula:
Home Price ÷ Total Square Footage = Price Per Square Foot
Example:
- A 2,000 sq. ft. home priced at $400,000 has a price per sq. ft. of: $400,000 ÷ 2,000 = $200/sq. ft.
This helps buyers and sellers gauge whether a home is reasonably priced compared to similar properties in the area.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to measure square footage correctly is essential for real estate, renovations, and financial planning. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure accuracy and maximize property value.
If you’re buying, selling, or remodeling, consult a licensed appraiser or contractor to verify square footage and make informed decisions.
If you have more questions regarding building a custom home, feel free to give us a call – we’re more than happy to address any concerns you have as well as provide you with a fair quote for the job: (574) 210-5951