Square Footage Calculator (Metric)
Enter a length and width in metres to get the area in square metres, plus an optional material cost at your price per square metre.
What your result means
Floor area is length times width — the surface you're measuring, in square metres. Material cost multiplies the area by your price per square metre. For flooring and tile, add about 10% for waste and cuts. To estimate paint instead, use our paint calculator.
How to use this calculator
- Measure the length of the space in metres.
- Measure the width in metres.
- The calculator multiplies them for the area in square metres.
- Add a price per square metre for a material cost, if you want one.
- For odd shapes, split into rectangles and add the areas together.
The formula
Area is simply length times width when both are in metres. Multiply the area by your unit price for a quick material cost.
Worked example
A space 4 m by 4 m is 16 m². At $55 a square metre for flooring, materials run $880.00 — then add about 10%, or $88, for waste and cuts.
Quick area reference
| Dimensions | Square metres |
|---|---|
| 3 × 3 m | 9.0 |
| 4 × 4 m | 16.0 |
| 4 × 5 m | 20.0 |
| 6 × 6 m | 36.0 |
| Odd shape | Split & add |
Tips & gotchas
- For L-shaped or odd rooms, break them into rectangles, find each area, and add them up.
- Always order 5–10% extra flooring or tile for waste, cuts, and future repairs.
- Measure twice. A small error in one dimension scales across the whole area.
- For walls and ceilings, this same length-times-width works — just measure those surfaces.
- Bulk materials are often priced per square metre, so this lines up directly with quotes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate area in square metres?
Multiply length by width when both are in metres. A 4 by 4 m room is 16 m². For odd shapes, split into rectangles and add the areas.
How much extra should I order for flooring?
Add 5 to 10% for waste, cuts, and pattern matching, and keep a little extra for future repairs.
How do I find the area of an odd-shaped room?
Divide it into rectangles, calculate each rectangle's area, then add them together for the total.
Does this work for walls and ceilings?
Yes. Area is length times width for any flat surface — floors, walls, ceilings, or countertops.
How do I measure an irregular area?
Split it into rectangles, measure each in metres, find every rectangle's area, and add them up for the total in square metres.
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Estimates only — see our full disclaimer.