If you want to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom, you need to measure the square footage of your old countertops.To find the square footage of countertops, you just need a tape measure, a calculator, and something to write with.This article will walk you through the whole process step-by-step, including how to make a convenient diagram of your countertops for contractors, if you don't need a diagram.
Step 1: Make a sketch of the room.
Before measuring your countertops, make a rough diagram of your kitchen or bathroom.The drawing is a good place to record your measurements.It doesn't need to be big.Take a piece of graph paper and a pencil.Draw a model of your space.
Step 2: Take a look at the appliances, sinks, and faucets.
Adding the location of appliances, sinks, and fixtures is necessary.Draw your existing appliances, sinks, and faucets on the diagram if you are keeping your current ones.You should sketch the location of your new appliances, sinks, and or faucets on the diagram if you are replacing your existing ones.It's a good idea to note the type of sink, refrigerator, stove, and range in your space.
Step 3: You can draw the layout of your cabinets.
On your diagram, sketch the layout of your cabinets.The dimensions don't need to be precise or scale.Draw the current layout of your cabinets on your diagram if you intend to keep your existing cabinets.If you want to change the layout of your space, sketch the new layout or use an online program to design it.
Step 4: Refer to edge types or sweeps.
There are a lot of options when it comes to countertops.The unique touches you pick should be noted in your diagram.The rounded solid surface is one of the edge types for your countertops.Any sweeps or rounded overhangs are marked.
Step 5: Measure the length of your countertops.
To measure the length of one section of countertops, run a measuring tape along the back edge from one end to the other.The beginning and end of the section are marked by a wall, edge of a cabinet or an appliance.Round the measurement to the nearest 8 inch (0.32 cm).This measurement can be recorded on your diagram or a separate sheet of paper.You have to measure the length of each section of your countertops.Measure beyond the sink until you reach the end of a cabinet, appliance, or wall.Measure the long side first and then the short side from the back edge if you have an L-shaped countertop.To treat it like a single countertop, add the total measurements together.
Step 6: In inches, measure the width of your countertops.
Measure the width of the countertop using a measuring tape.Measure from the back of the countertop to the front edge.You can round the measurement to the nearest 8 inch (0.32 cm) and record it on your diagram or a separate sheet of paper.Measure the width of the countertop section by section.You should account for the dimensions of the backsplash in your final measurement.
Step 7: The square footage is calculated.
To get an estimate from a contractor for your new countertops, you need to provide an approximate calculation of your existing countertops square footage.The area is calculated by dividing the length times the width of each section by the area.Add the areas of each section to calculate the total square inches.Divide the total square inches by 144 to calculate the square footage.
Step 8: In inches, measure the length of your cabinets.
To measure the length of a section of cabinets, run a measuring tape along the back edge from one end to the other.The measurement should be rounded to the nearest 8 inch (0.32 cm).This measurement can be recorded on a diagram or a separate sheet of paper.Continue this process until you have measured the length of your new cabinets.
Step 9: Measure the width of your cabinets and add 2 in.
You must account for the overhang of the countertop when measuring the depth of your cabinets.Measure from the back of the cabinet to the front.Add 1–1 2 in to the measurement to account for the overhang.This number can be recorded on your diagram or a separate sheet of paper.You have to measure the width of each section of cabinets.To account for the overhang of an island, you need to add 3 inches to the length and width.
Step 10: Determine the square footage.
To get an estimate from a contractor for the cost of your new countertops, you need to give an approximate calculation of the countertops square footage.The area is calculated by dividing the length times the width of each section by the area.Add together the areas of each section to calculate the total square inches.Divide the total square inches by 144 to calculate the square footage.
Step 11: Measure the length of the wall.
If you plan to add a back splash, make sure to account for its dimensions in your final measurement.Measure the length of the back splash.The lengths should be added together.Take the total length and divide it by the height of the wall.Divide the product by 140 to calculate the total square footage.This number is added to the total square footage of your countertops.
Step 12: The counter should be L-shaped.
The L-shape is formed when countertops run along two walls.You need to verify that your corner is a 90 angle to measure this layout.Take 3 feet from the corner to the wall.Measure from the corner to the other wall.The diagonal distance is between the two points.The corner is square if the distance is 5 feet.The counter should be divided into two parts.Measure from one end of the counter to the wall.Measure from the front edge of the counter to the wall to determine the width of section A.Measure from the opposite end of the counter to the wall to determine the length of section B.To get the length of section B subtract the width from section A.Measure from the front edge of the counter to the wall to see the width of section B.Divide the length of each section by the width to calculate the area.Add together the areas of each section to calculate the total square inches.To calculate the square footage, divide the total square inches by 144.
Step 13: Determine if the countertops are irregular.
If your countertops are irregular, divide them into squares.There may be negative or blank space in these sections.Measure the length and width of each section after you section off the countertop.Divide the length by the width.Divide the length of each section by the width to calculate the area.Add together the areas of each section to calculate the total square inches.To calculate the square footage, divide the total square inches by 144.