How to Measure Square Footage of a Room
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Choosing the perfect new floor is exciting, but before you dive into styles and colors, there's one crucial step: how to measure square footage of a room.
This guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to measure your room like a pro, ensuring you order the right amount of flooring material.
What You'll Need:
- Tape measure (preferably at least 25 feet long)
- Pen and paper
- Calculator (or use our online flooring calculator)
Let's Get Measuring
- Clear the Room: Remove furniture and anything else that might obstruct your measurements.
- Measure the Length and Width: For rectangular rooms, this is fairly straightforward. Measure the longest wall (length) and then the next-longest wall (width). Pro Tip: Take measurements at several points along the wall to account for any unevenness.
- Factor in Closets and Openings: If your room has closets, alcoves, or other large openings, measure their length and width as well. You'll subtract these areas from the total room measurement later.
- Don't Forget Irregular Shapes: For rooms with odd shapes, divide them into smaller rectangular sections and measure each one individually. Add the areas of each section together to get the total square footage.
Mastering the Math:
Once you have your measurements, it's time to calculate the square footage of your space. Here's the formula:
Length (ft) x Width (ft) = Square Footage (sq ft)
Example: If your room measures 12 feet long and 10 feet wide, the area would be 12 ft x 10 ft = 120 sq ft.
Bonus Tip: Account for Waste
Flooring materials often have a bit of waste during installation. Generally, adding 5-10% to your total square footage is a good rule of thumb.
This ensures you have enough material to complete the project without running short.
Online Flooring Calculator
We understand that math whiz isn't everyone's superpower.
That's why we've created a user-friendly online flooring calculator to streamline the process!
Simply input your room dimensions and any odd-shaped areas, and our calculator will generate the total square footage needed for your project, including an optional waste factor.
Conclusion
Now you're ready to shop with confidence!
By following these steps and utilizing our online calculator, you'll be a flooring measurement maestro in no time.
Check our video for more help with measuring your space.
With the correct square footage in hand, you can browse our extensive selection of flooring and find the perfect fit for your dream space!