Square feet calculator

Our square feet calculator will convert the entered value to any other unit of area. Don't want to calculate the conversion manually? Use our calculator.

Want to convert to other units? No problem - select the unit of area you are interested in and perform the calculations in the online calculator.

Common conversions

  • Square Feet to Square Inch
  • Square Feet to Square Decimeter
  • Square Feet to Square Mile
  • Square Feet to Square Millimeter
  • Square Feet to Acre
  • Square Feet to Hectare
  • Square Feet to Cent
  • Square Feet to Ares

Definition of square foot

Let's delve into the concept of a square foot, a unit of area measurement commonly used in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. A square foot is defined as the area of a square with each side measuring exactly one foot in length. Mathematically, this can be expressed as:

Area = side length × side length = 1 foot × 1 foot = 1square foot

In terms of the International System of Units (SI), one square foot is approximately equal to 0.09290304 square meters. This conversion is crucial when working across different measurement systems, as it allows for accurate comparisons and calculations. To put this into perspective, a room measuring 10 feet by 12 feet would have an area of:

10 feet × 12 feet = 120 square feet

Converting this to square meters:

120sq ft × 0.09290304sq m/sq ft ≈ 11.148sq m

Understanding the square foot is essential, especially in fields like architecture, real estate, and interior design, where space planning and area measurements are fundamental.

History of square foot

The square foot is a unit of area measurement that has evolved over centuries, reflecting the diverse practices of various cultures. Historically, before the adoption of the metric system in the 19th century, many European countries utilized their own versions of the square foot, each corresponding to their specific definitions of a foot. For instance, in Bavaria, a square foot was approximately 0.086475 square meters, while in Prussia, it measured about 0.098504 square meters. Similarly, the Viennese square foot was around 0.099921 square meters, and the Parisian square foot was approximately 0.105521 square meters.

In the Netherlands, the concept of the square foot, or "voet," varied regionally. The Rijnland square foot measured about 0.098596 square meters, whereas the 's-Hertogenbosch square foot was approximately 0.082369 square meters. These variations highlight the lack of standardization in historical measurement systems, which often led to complexities in trade and construction.

The square foot's evolution underscores the importance of standardized measurement systems in facilitating clear communication and efficient commerce. Today, while the metric system is widely adopted globally, the square foot remains prevalent in certain countries, particularly in real estate and construction sectors, reflecting its enduring legacy.

FAQ

In which countries is the square foot used most often?

The square foot is predominantly used in the following countries:

  • United States: Square feet are commonly used in real estate to measure the area of residential and commercial properties.
  • Canada: While the metric system is the official system of measurement, square feet are still widely used in real estate and construction.
  • United Kingdom: Square feet are often used in the UK for measuring floor space in homes and apartments.
  • India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong: In these countries, square feet are commonly used, especially in real estate and construction sectors.
  • Ghana and Liberia: Square feet are utilized in these countries, particularly in real estate measurements.

Is the square foot part of the metric system?

The square foot is not part of the International System of Units (SI), which is the modern metric system. Instead, it belongs to the Imperial system of measurement, which is primarily used in the United States and, to a lesser extent, in countries like Canada and the United Kingdom. In the Imperial system, a square foot is defined as the area of a square with each side measuring one foot in length. This unit is commonly used in real estate, construction, and interior design to measure area.