How To Calculate Countertop Square Feet

Calculating countertop square footage is essential for determining the amount of material you'll need and estimating the cost of your project. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you calculate the square footage of your countertops:

1. Measure the Length and Width of Your Countertops:

Start by measuring the length and width of each section of your countertops. Use a measuring tape to accurately measure the distance from one end to the other in both directions. Note down these measurements in feet and inches.

2. Convert Inches to Feet:

If your measurements are in inches, convert them to feet by dividing by 12. For example, if you measure a length of 72 inches, it's equivalent to 6 feet (72 ÷ 12 = 6).

3. Calculate the Area of Each Countertop Section:

To calculate the area of each countertop section, multiply its length by its width. For example, if you have a countertop section with a length of 6 feet and a width of 3 feet, its area would be 18 square feet (6 x 3 = 18).

4. Add the Areas of All Countertop Sections:

If your countertops consist of multiple sections, add the areas of each section to get the total countertop square footage. For example, if you have three countertop sections with areas of 18 square feet, 12 square feet, and 15 square feet, the total square footage would be 45 square feet (18 + 12 + 15 = 45).

5. Consider Overhang and Backsplash:

If you plan to have an overhang or backsplash, you'll need to include those measurements in your calculations. For an overhang, measure the distance from the edge of the countertop to the edge of the cabinet. For a backsplash, measure the height and width of the backsplash area.

6. Add a Buffer for Waste:

During fabrication and installation, some countertop material may be lost due to cuts and shaping. To account for this, add a buffer of 5-10% to your total square footage. For example, if your total square footage is 45 square feet, add a 10% buffer, resulting in an adjusted total of 49.5 square feet (45 x 1.10 = 49.5).