To calculate the square footage of your house, you'll first need to measure the length and width of each room in feet, using a tape measure for accuracy. Multiply the length by the width for each room to get its individual square footage. Once you have the square footage for all the rooms, sum these values to obtain the total square footage of your house. If your home's layout includes irregular shapes, break these areas into rectangles or squares, calculate their square footage, and add them accordingly. Remember, for multi-story homes, you only need to calculate the square footage of the space you intend to use, excluding unfinished basements or attics unless you're considering them as livable space.
How To Calculate House Square Footage
Include all finished, heated areas
To calculate house square footage, measure the length and width of each finished, heated area in your home, including living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. Use a tape measure to obtain accurate dimensions in feet, then multiply the length by the width for each room to find its square footage. After calculating each area, sum up those figures to determine the total square footage of your home, ensuring all areas are heated and finished. Remember not to include unheated spaces like garages or unfinished basements in your final calculation.
Measure the exterior dimensions
To calculate your house square footage, start by measuring the exterior dimensions of your home. Use a tape measure to get the length and width of each side of your house, ensuring you measure in feet for accuracy. Once you have these figures, multiply the length by the width to find the square footage of each section. For multi-story homes, repeat the process for each level and sum the total areas to obtain your house's complete square footage.
Exclude garages, balconies, and unfinished basements
To accurately calculate your house's square footage, focus on the areas that are considered living space, specifically excluding garages, balconies, and unfinished basements. Start by measuring each room's length and width in feet, using a measuring tape for precision. Multiply the length by the width for each room to obtain the square footage, then sum these values for a total. Ensure you only include spaces that are heated and livable, as these contribute directly to your house's usable living area.
Account for wall thickness
To calculate the square footage of your house while accounting for wall thickness, first measure the exterior dimensions of each room including the walls. For example, if a room measures 12 feet by 15 feet, with walls that are 6 inches thick, you will need to convert the wall thickness to feet, which is 0.5 feet in this case. Adjust the dimensions by adding the wall thickness to each dimension, leading to a total measurement of 13 feet by 16 feet for that room. Multiply the adjusted dimensions (13 x 16) to get a square footage of 208 square feet, ensuring accurate representation of the space you can utilize.
Include above-grade space primarily
To calculate your house's square footage, focus on measuring only above-grade spaces, which are areas that are above ground level. Start by measuring the length and width of each room in feet, then multiply these dimensions to obtain the square footage for individual rooms. Add the square footage of all rooms together, including any closets and hallways that are above grade, to find the total square footage of your home. For accuracy, ensure you exclude any below-grade spaces, such as basements or crawl spaces, from your calculations.
Use consistent measurement units
To calculate the square footage of your house, begin by measuring each room in feet, ensuring you use consistent units throughout the process. Record the length and width of each space, and multiply these dimensions for the square footage of individual rooms. Once you have the square footage for each area, sum them up to get the total house square footage. Remember to round up to the nearest whole number for a cleaner final figure and consider excluding non-living areas, like garages or unfinished basements, for a more accurate living space measurement.
Measure each level separately
To calculate the house square footage, first measure each level separately by using a tape measure to determine the length and width of each room. Multiply the length by the width for each individual room to obtain its square footage, then sum those values for each floor. Ensure to include any hallways or closets, as they also contribute to the overall area. Once calculated for each level, add the total square footage from all floors to get your home's total square footage.
Note irregularly shaped rooms
To calculate house square footage for irregularly shaped rooms, first break the room into smaller, manageable geometric shapes like rectangles or triangles. Measure the length and width of each section, using feet for accuracy, and apply the appropriate area formulas: for rectangles, multiply length by width, and for triangles, use half the base multiplied by height. After obtaining the area of each section, sum these individual areas to find the total square footage of the irregularly shaped room. Always remember to exclude areas not part of the livable space, such as closets or built-ins, to ensure your measurement reflects usable square footage.
Adhere to local real estate guidelines
To calculate house square footage accurately, start by measuring the exterior dimensions of the building; multiply the length by the width for each floor. Ensure to adhere to local real estate guidelines, which often specify the inclusion of areas like finished basements, attics, and enclosed porches but typically exclude uninhabitable spaces such as garages and outdoor areas. For multi-story homes, sum the square footage of each level, making sure to account for any structural features that may affect the total area. Keep in mind the importance of consistency with local measurement standards, as discrepancies can impact property valuation.
Consult a professional if unsure
To calculate your house's square footage, measure each room's length and width in feet, then multiply these dimensions for each space. For example, a 12-foot by 15-foot room equals 180 square feet. After obtaining square footage for all individual rooms, sum these areas to get the total house square footage. If you're unsure about precise measurements or complex layouts, consult a professional to ensure accuracy and account for any irregular spaces.