Cost Per Square Foot Calculator
Price out flooring, materials and renovations — with a waste factor.
When you are pricing flooring, tile, paint, or a renovation, cost per square foot tells you whether a quote is competitive and how much material to order.
Enter the project cost and the area, then add an optional waste factor — usually 5–15% — to account for cuts and breakage so you order the right amount.
How it works
Follow the exact steps to get your result instantly and privately.
Step 1: Enter Project Costs
Contractors love throwing big numbers at you. Start by entering the total quoted price for your materials or the full project. We're going to deconstruct this quote to see if you're actually getting a competitive rate.
Step 2: Measure the Area
Add the exact square footage of the area you need covered. But don't stop there—real projects aren't perfect rectangles. We'll help you account for the tricky corners and inevitable mistakes.
Step 3: Factor the Waste
Include a 5–15% waste factor to cover cuts, breakages, and offcuts. Get your true cost per square foot so you can order the perfect amount of material without blowing your budget.
Step 1: Enter Project Costs
Contractors love throwing big numbers at you. Start by entering the total quoted price for your materials or the full project. We're going to deconstruct this quote to see if you're actually getting a competitive rate.
Frequently asked questions
Divide the total material cost by the area in square feet. For ordering, add a waste factor of 5–15% to cover cuts and offcuts.
A straight rectangular room needs about 5–10%; diagonal layouts, patterns, or rooms with many corners need closer to 15%. Tile and hardwood usually need more than carpet.
Only if you include labor in the total cost. Enter materials alone for a material rate, or the full project price for an all-in rate.
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