For most home improvement projects , knowing how to calculate square footage is an important skill from paint to landscaping square footage is a necessary measurement when it comes to calculating the right quantity of materials for your project .
Here's what you'll need .
The first step is to measure the dimensions of the area .
You are considering the two dimensions to measure are length and width of the surface .
You need to calculate to find the length , locate the longest side of the area , place the hook slot of the tape measure at one end and extend to the other end , then record the measurement to find the width , locate the shortest side of the area and repeat the measurement process in order to calculate square feet multiply the length of the space in feet by the width of the space in feet .
This gives you the area which is expressed in square feet .
For example , if you are buying carpet for a room that is 12 ft long and 10 ft wide , the square footage of that area would equal 120 square feet .
If you're dealing with an oddly shaped room , the formula will change slightly for example , assume you are trying to buy flooring for an L shaped space .
The shape is formed by one square and one rectangle area .
Find the length and width of each section , then calculate the square footage of each next .
Add the two values together to get the total square footage you'll need .
Once you've figured out the total square footage of the area order 5 to 10% more material than you have calculated Just in case mistakes happen .
This way , you'll be able to ensure you're covered until your project is complete .
Good luck .
And thanks for shopping at the Home Depot .