Countertop Square Footage Calculator
Use this calculator to determine the total square footage and linear feet of your countertops. This is essential for estimating material costs, fabrication, and installation.
Enter the length and width of each countertop section in inches. If you have multiple sections (e.g., an L-shaped counter, an island, or separate runs), enter them individually. Leave unused sections blank.
Results:
Total Square Footage: 0 sq ft
Total Linear Feet (Edge Estimate): 0 linear ft
Understanding Countertop Square Footage
Calculating the square footage of your countertops is a crucial first step in any kitchen or bathroom renovation project. It directly impacts the cost of materials like granite, quartz, marble, or laminate, as well as fabrication and installation labor. Accurate measurements ensure you order enough material without excessive waste, saving you time and money.
How to Measure Your Countertops Accurately
- Measure Each Section Individually: Most countertops are not a single rectangle. Break down your counter layout into individual rectangular or square sections. For example, an L-shaped counter can be measured as two overlapping rectangles.
- Measure Length and Width: For each section, measure the length and the width. Always measure to the furthest point, including any overhangs. Standard countertop depth is often 25.5 inches (for a 24-inch cabinet with a 1.5-inch overhang), but always verify your specific dimensions.
- Use Consistent Units: It's easiest to measure everything in inches first, then convert to square feet. This calculator handles the conversion for you.
- Account for Overhangs: Remember that countertops typically extend beyond the cabinet base. Include these overhangs in your width measurements.
- Sketch Your Layout: Drawing a simple diagram of your kitchen or bathroom layout and labeling each section with its length and width can help prevent errors.
- Consider Backsplashes: If you're getting a matching backsplash, remember that its square footage is calculated separately (length x height of the backsplash). This calculator focuses only on the horizontal surface.
What is Linear Feet?
While square footage tells you the total surface area, linear feet is often used to estimate the cost of edge treatments (like bullnose, ogee, or eased edges) and sometimes for installation labor. It represents the total length of all exposed edges of your countertop. Our calculator provides an estimate of the total perimeter of all sections, which serves as a good starting point for linear feet of edging. You may need to subtract edges that will be against a wall and not require finishing.
Using the Calculator
Simply input the length and width (in inches) for each distinct section of your countertop. If you have more than three sections, you can sum up the square footage of additional sections manually and add it to the calculator's result, or use the calculator multiple times. The calculator will then provide you with the total square footage and an estimate of the total linear feet for all entered sections.
Example Calculation:
Let's say you have two countertop sections:
- Section 1: 96 inches long x 25.5 inches wide
- Section 2 (Island): 60 inches long x 36 inches wide
Section 1 Area: 96 in * 25.5 in = 2448 sq in
Section 2 Area: 60 in * 36 in = 2160 sq in
Total Square Inches: 2448 + 2160 = 4608 sq in
Total Square Feet: 4608 sq in / 144 sq in/sq ft = 32 sq ft
Section 1 Perimeter: 2 * (96 + 25.5) = 2 * 121.5 = 243 inches = 20.25 linear ft
Section 2 Perimeter: 2 * (60 + 36) = 2 * 96 = 192 inches = 16 linear ft
Total Linear Feet: 20.25 + 16 = 36.25 linear ft
Using the calculator simplifies this process for you!