Countertop Square Footage Calculator
Enter the dimensions (Length and Width in inches) for each countertop section. You can leave unused sections blank or set values to zero.
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Understanding Countertop Square Footage
When planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation, one of the most crucial measurements you'll need is the total square footage of your countertops. This figure is essential for budgeting, ordering materials, and ensuring you purchase the correct amount of stone, laminate, or other surfacing material.
Why is Countertop Square Footage Important?
- Cost Estimation: Most countertop materials are priced per square foot. Knowing your total square footage allows you to accurately estimate the material cost.
- Material Ordering: Suppliers need precise measurements to cut and prepare your countertops. Ordering too little can cause delays and extra costs, while ordering too much is wasteful.
- Installation Planning: Installers use these measurements to plan cuts, seams, and overall layout.
How to Measure Your Countertops
Calculating countertop square footage involves breaking down your countertop layout into simple rectangular or square sections, measuring each, and then summing them up. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Sketch Your Layout: Draw a simple bird's-eye view of your kitchen or bathroom countertops. This helps visualize the different sections.
- Divide into Rectangles: Break down any L-shaped or U-shaped countertops into individual rectangular sections. For example, an L-shape can be seen as two overlapping rectangles. Measure each rectangle from its furthest points.
- Measure Each Section:
- Length: Measure the length of each rectangular section in inches. Always measure to the longest point, including any overhangs.
- Width (Depth): Measure the width (or depth) of each section in inches. Standard countertop depth is often 24-25.5 inches, but always measure your specific space.
- Account for Overhangs: Standard countertop overhangs are typically 1 inch beyond the cabinet face. Ensure your measurements include this overhang. For islands or bar tops, the overhang might be larger.
- Don't Subtract for Sinks or Cooktops (Initially): For material ordering, it's standard practice to calculate the total gross square footage and not subtract for sink cutouts or cooktop cutouts. Fabricators often charge for the full slab area, and the cutouts require labor.
Example Calculation
Let's say you have a kitchen with three main countertop sections:
- Section A: 72 inches long x 25.5 inches wide
- Section B: 48 inches long x 25.5 inches wide
- Section C (Island): 60 inches long x 36 inches wide
Step 1: Calculate Area for Each Section (in square inches)
- Section A: 72 inches * 25.5 inches = 1836 square inches
- Section B: 48 inches * 25.5 inches = 1224 square inches
- Section C: 60 inches * 36 inches = 2160 square inches
Step 2: Sum Total Square Inches
1836 + 1224 + 2160 = 5220 square inches
Step 3: Convert Total Square Inches to Square Feet
There are 144 square inches in 1 square foot (12 inches * 12 inches).
5220 square inches / 144 = 36.25 square feet
So, the total countertop square footage for this example is 36.25 sq ft.
Important Considerations
- Templating: While this calculator provides a good estimate, professional fabricators will always perform their own precise laser templating before cutting your material.
- Seams: Discuss seam placement with your fabricator, especially for very long runs or complex shapes.
- Backsplashes: Backsplashes are typically calculated and priced separately, often by linear foot or square foot depending on height.
Using this calculator and understanding the measurement process will empower you to better plan your renovation project and communicate effectively with suppliers and installers.