Calculate cost per square foot from total cost and dimensions, or find total project cost from area and unit price.
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Cost Per Square Foot Formula
The cost per square foot calculation compares a total cost to the total area covered by that cost. The calculator can solve for total cost, total area, or cost per square foot when you enter the other two values.
When square meters are used, the calculator converts area using:
- Total Cost is the full price paid or estimated, in dollars.
- Total Area is the size of the space or surface, entered in square feet or square meters.
- Cost per ft² is the price for each square foot of area.
- Cost per m² is the price for each square meter of area.
Choose the quantity to find, then complete the fields shown. The calculator supports unit price, total cost, area and rectangle dimensions, plus five sliding-door cost modes. Costs use US dollars (USD); a missing required value is not treated as zero.
Illustrative Cost Per Square Foot Ranges
The following ranges are historical illustrations without a dated market source, not current quotes or acceptance bounds. Obtain local comparable quotes with the same area, material and labor scope.
| Use Case | Illustrative Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic flooring material | $2 to $15 per ft² | Material only, not always including installation. |
| Interior painting | $1 to $6 per ft² | May be based on wall area or floor area, depending on the quote. |
| Residential construction | $150 to $400+ per ft² | Depends heavily on region, design, finishes, and labor costs. |
| Commercial lease comparison | Varies widely | Often quoted annually, such as $30 per ft² per year. |
Square Foot and Square Meter Conversion
| Conversion | Value |
|---|---|
| 1 square meter | 10.7639 square feet |
| 1 square foot | 0.09290304 square meters (exact) |
| $/m² to $/ft² | Divide by 10.7639 |
| $/ft² to $/m² | Multiply by 10.7639 |
Example Calculations
Example 1: Find cost per square foot
You have a total cost of $12,000 and an area of 1,500 ft².
The cost is $8.00 per ft².
Example 2: Find total cost
You have an area of 80 m² and a cost of $25 per ft². First convert the area to square feet.
The total cost is $21,527.82.
FAQ
How do you calculate cost per square foot?
Divide the total cost by the total area in square feet. For example, if a project costs $5,000 and covers 400 ft², the cost per square foot is $5,000 ÷ 400 = $12.50 per ft².
Can I use square meters instead of square feet?
Yes. If you enter area in square meters, the calculator converts it to square feet using 1 m² = 10.7639 ft². If you choose $/m² for the cost field, the calculator converts between $/m² and $/ft² as needed.
What should be included in total cost?
Use the full cost that matches what you want to measure. For a flooring job, that might include materials, labor, removal, and fees. For a home purchase, it might be only the purchase price. Keep the definition consistent when comparing multiple results.
