What is a Square Foot? Definition, Calculation & Uses
Learn what a square foot is, how to calculate it, and its uses in land measurement. Complete guide with conversion formulas to other units.
What is a Square Foot?
A square foot (abbreviated as sq ft or ft²) is a unit of area measurement. It represents the area of a square with sides that are each 1 foot in length.
In simple terms, if you imagine a square space that is 1 foot long and 1 foot wide, the area of that space is 1 square foot.
Square Foot Calculation Formula
To calculate area in square feet, use the following formula:
Area (sq ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft)
Example
If a room is 10 feet long and 12 feet wide, then:
Area = 10 × 12 = 120 square feet
Converting Square Feet to Other Units
| Unit | Conversion Formula |
|---|---|
| Square Meters | 1 sq ft = 0.0929 sq m |
| Square Yards | 1 sq ft = 0.1111 sq yd |
| Square Inches | 1 sq ft = 144 sq in |
| Decimal/Shotangsho | 1 sq ft = 0.0023 decimal |
| Katha | 1 sq ft = 0.00139 katha (Bangladesh) |
Uses of Square Feet
Square feet are commonly used in the following areas:
1. Real Estate & Property
- Apartment and flat sizes
- Total floor area of houses and buildings
- Office space measurement
2. Construction Work
- Calculating tiles, marble, or flooring requirements
- Estimating paint or coating needs
- Measuring plaster or cement quantities
3. Interior Design
- Carpet or rug sizing
- Furniture placement
- Room layout planning
Square Feet in South Asia
In South Asian countries like Bangladesh and India, square feet is one of the most commonly used units for measuring property, especially in urban areas. Real estate prices are typically quoted per square foot.
Regional Variations
- Bangladesh: Urban apartments sold by sq ft
- India: Commercial properties measured in sq ft
- Pakistan: Both sq ft and marla used
Square Feet vs Other Units
| Comparison | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 1 Square Meter | = 10.76 sq ft |
| 1 Decimal | = 435.6 sq ft |
| 1 Katha | = 720 sq ft (Bangladesh) |
| 1 Bigha | = 14,400 sq ft (Bangladesh) |
| 1 Acre | = 43,560 sq ft |
Tips for Accurate Measurement
- Use proper tools: Use measuring tape or laser meter
- Measure multiple times: Take 2-3 measurements to avoid errors
- Irregular shapes: Divide complex areas into smaller rectangles
- Professional help: For large properties, hire a surveyor
Conclusion
The square foot is a fundamental and essential unit for area measurement. Understanding square feet is crucial for real estate, construction, and everyday life measurements. Use our Square Foot Converter to easily convert between square feet and other units.