1. What is Square Footage Calculation?

Square footage calculation measures the total area of heated livable spaces in a property. It's a crucial metric in real estate for property valuation, pricing, and comparison purposes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Length — Measurement of one side of the space
• Width — Measurement of the perpendicular side
• Heated Livable Spaces — Rooms intended for living purposes with heating

Explanation: The calculation sums the area of all individual heated livable spaces to determine the total square footage.

3. Importance of Accurate Square Footage

Details: Accurate square footage is essential for proper property valuation, fair pricing, mortgage approvals, property tax assessments, and ensuring buyers get what they pay for.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the square footage of main livable spaces. Include additional spaces like finished basements or converted attics if they meet livable space criteria. All values must be in square feet.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What spaces are considered "livable"?
A: Livable spaces include bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, dining areas, and finished basements with proper heating and legal egress.

Q2: What spaces are typically excluded?
A: Garages, unfinished basements, attics, porches, patios, and storage areas are usually excluded from square footage calculations.

Q3: How are irregularly shaped rooms measured?
A: Irregular rooms are divided into rectangular sections, each measured separately, and then summed for total area.

Q4: Does square footage include wall thickness?
A: Typically, interior measurements are used (wall to wall), excluding the thickness of exterior walls.

Q5: Are there standard measurement guidelines?
A: Most regions follow ANSI Z765 standards, but local real estate boards may have specific guidelines for measurements.