How To Determine Square Footage For Countertops

Calculating the square footage of countertops is essential for determining the amount of material and labor required for installation. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you calculate the square footage accurately:

Step 1: Measure Length and Width

Use a measuring tape to measure the length and width of each countertop section. Note down the measurements in feet or inches, ensuring accuracy to the nearest 1/16th of an inch.

Step 2: Convert Measurements to Inches

If your measurements are in feet, convert them to inches by multiplying the feet by 12. For example, if the length is 5 feet, convert it to 60 inches (5 x 12).

Step 3: Multiply Length and Width

Multiply the length and width of each countertop section in inches. This will give you the area of each section in square inches.

Step 4: Convert Square Inches to Square Feet

Divide the area obtained in square inches by 144 to convert it to square feet. For example, if the area is 432 square inches, divide it by 144 to get 3 square feet (432 / 144).

Step 5: Add Up Area of All Sections

Once you have calculated the square footage of each countertop section, add them up to get the total square footage required for the entire countertop project.

Additional Considerations:

Overhangs and Backsplashes: Add an extra 10-15% to the total square footage to account for overhangs and backsplashes. This ensures you have enough material for these areas.

Shape Irregularities: If your countertops have irregular shapes like curves or angles, you may need to break down the shape into smaller sections and calculate the square footage for each section separately.

Edge Profile: The edge profile of your countertops (e.g., mitered, bullnose) can slightly affect the square footage calculation. Consult with your countertop fabricator for guidance.

Example:

Let's say you have a rectangular countertop with the following measurements:

Length: 8 feet (96 inches)
Width: 2.5 feet (30 inches)

Using the steps above:

Area of countertop section = 96 inches (length) x 30 inches (width) = 2880 square inches
Square footage of countertop section = 2880 square inches / 144 = 20 square feet