How to Measure Your Space
Need to use our estimator but aren't sure of your measurements? We'll show you how to calculate square and linear footage easily—even if you don't have a tape measure.
Square Footage
Used for 2D surfaces like floors, walls, ceilings, and patios.
Linear Footage
Used for straight lines like baseboards, fences, edging, and trim.
Volume (Cubic Ft)
Used for 3D spaces like concrete slabs, mulch, and dirt.
No Tape Measure? Try These Tricks.
Your Smartphone
Both iPhones and Androids have built-in "Measure" apps that use your camera to measure distances surprisingly accurately.
Pace It Out
An average adult's normal walking stride is about 2.5 feet. A men's size 10 shoe is roughly 1 foot long heel-to-toe.
Standard Objects
A standard piece of printer paper is exactly 11 inches long. Use it end-to-end to measure smaller spaces like backsplashes.
How to Measure Specific Projects
Kitchen Backsplash
Measure the total width of the wall space under your cabinets. Then measure the height (usually 18 inches, or 1.5 feet, from the counter to the upper cabinets). Multiply the width (in feet) by 1.5 to get your square footage.
Flooring
Measure the longest wall of the room, then measure the adjacent wall. Multiply those two numbers. If the room is an odd shape (like an L-shape), break it into two rectangles, measure each, and add them together.
Baseboards & Fencing
This is linear footage. Simply measure the perimeter of the room or yard. For baseboards, subtract the width of any doorways.
Concrete Slabs & Mulch
This requires volume (Cubic Feet or Yards). Measure the Length and Width of the area, then multiply by the Depth (thickness). Remember to keep all measurements in the same unit (e.g., convert a 4-inch depth to 0.33 feet before multiplying).