In the UK, Australia, Canada and most of the world, floor areas and plots are measured in square metres (m²). This square metre calculator works out the area of any room or space in m², and shows the equivalent in square feet, which is handy when you are comparing a listing, buying products made for the US market, or talking to someone who thinks in feet.
How to calculate square metres
Multiply the length by the width, both in metres:
Square metres = length (m) × width (m)
- Measure the length and width in metres. If you measured in centimetres, choose Centimetres; the calculator divides by 10,000 for you.
- Choose the shape and enter the measurements.
- Read the area in m², with square feet and the other units underneath.
- Optionally, add a waste allowance and a price per m² to estimate the cost of flooring, turf or paving.
Square metres to square feet
| Convert | Multiply by | Example |
|---|---|---|
| m² to sq ft | 10.764 | 20 m² × 10.764 = 215.28 sq ft |
| sq ft to m² | 0.0929 | 500 sq ft × 0.0929 = 46.45 m² |
| cm² to m² | 0.0001 | 35,000 cm² = 3.5 m² |
| m² to sq yd | 1.196 | 10 m² × 1.196 = 11.96 sq yd |
| m² to hectares | 0.0001 | 5,000 m² = 0.5 ha |
Worked example: laminate for a living room
- The living room is 4.2 m × 3.6 m = 15.12 m² (162.75 sq ft).
- Add 10% waste: 15.12 × 1.10 = 16.63 m².
- At £18.50 per m²: 16.632 × 18.50 = £307.69.
Worked example: turf for an irregular garden
A back garden is a trapezoid: 8 m wide by the house, 6 m wide at the back fence and 12 m long.
- Garden: (8 + 6) ÷ 2 × 12 = 84 m².
- Subtract a circular flower bed 3 m across: π × 1.5² = 7.07 m², so add it to the total with Subtract ticked.
- Lawn area: 84 − 7.07 = 76.93 m² (828 sq ft).
- With 5% extra for trimming the edges, order about 81 m² of turf.
Common room sizes in square metres
| Room size | Square metres | Square feet | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 × 3 m | 9 | 96.9 | Single bedroom, study |
| 3 × 4 m | 12 | 129.2 | Bedroom |
| 3.5 × 4 m | 14 | 150.7 | Double bedroom |
| 4 × 4 m | 16 | 172.2 | Double bedroom, kitchen |
| 4 × 5 m | 20 | 215.3 | Living room |
| 4.5 × 5.5 m | 24.75 | 266.4 | Large living room |
| 5 × 6 m | 30 | 322.9 | Open-plan kitchen-diner |
| 6 × 6 m | 36 | 387.5 | Double garage (UK) |
| 3 × 2 m | 6 | 64.6 | Bathroom |
| 2.5 × 1.8 m | 4.5 | 48.4 | Small bathroom |
Tips for measuring in metres
- Write metres to two decimal places (for example 3.45 m), which is accurate to the nearest centimetre.
- Don’t mix centimetres and metres. 345 cm is 3.45 m, not 345 m; choose the matching unit in the calculator.
- Measure skirting to skirting at floor level for flooring, and add door thresholds the flooring will cover.
- Round up when ordering materials. Flooring, turf and tiles are sold in whole packs or rolls, so check the pack coverage in m².
Square metres for gardens and plots
Outdoor areas work the same way as rooms. Measure the boundaries in metres, split any curves or angles into simple shapes, and add them up. Patios and decking are usually priced per m², and turf is sold by the m² roll, so the calculator’s price field gives you a quick budget. For larger plots, the result is also shown in hectares, and 10,000 m² make one hectare. Garden areas are measured flat, so a sloping lawn will need slightly more turf than the plan area suggests.
Square metres in the UK, Australia and Canada
UK: floor plans and Energy Performance Certificates give floor area in square metres, and estate agents often show square feet as well.
Australia: floor and land areas are in m² and hectares. Builders sometimes still quote house sizes in “squares”, where one square is 100 sq ft, or about 9.29 m².
Canada: the country is officially metric, but homes are still commonly advertised in square feet, so it is useful to see both.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate square metres?
Multiply the length in metres by the width in metres. A room 4 m by 3.5 m is 4 × 3.5 = 14 m².
How do I convert square metres to square feet?
Multiply by 10.764. For example, 30 m² × 10.764 = 322.92 sq ft.
How many square metres is a 4 × 4 m room?
A 4 × 4 metre room is 16 m², which is about 172.2 sq ft.
How do I calculate m² from centimetres?
Multiply the two measurements in centimetres and divide by 10,000. For example, 350 cm × 280 cm = 98,000 cm², which is 9.8 m².
Are m², sqm and sq m the same thing?
Yes. They are all ways of writing square metres.
How many square metres are in a hectare?
There are 10,000 m² in a hectare, which is about 2.471 acres.
What is a “square” in Australian house sizes?
A square is an old imperial unit still used by some Australian builders. It is 100 sq ft, or about 9.29 m², so a 25-square house is about 232 m².
How many square metres is a typical UK room?
Sizes vary, but a UK double bedroom is often around 11–14 m², a single bedroom 7–9 m² and a living room 15–20 m². Measure your own rooms for an accurate figure.