Cost Per Square Foot Calculator
Work out the cost per square foot of a project — from the total cost and the area, in dollars per ft², m² and yd².
Cost per square foot is how the industry compares jobs — but only when the same kind of work is compared. This calculator divides your total by your area and shows it in ft², m² and yd².
The benchmark is yours to enter. The site publishes no rates.
Your results
Enter your measurements and press Calculate.
Quantities are rounded up to whole tiles, planks, boxes or bags, after the wastage allowance. Cost appears only when you enter a price.
Formula
All lengths are converted to a single unit before the calculation: 1 ft = 0.3048 m, 1 in = 25.4 mm, 1 ft² = 0.09290304 m², 1 yd² = 9 ft². Material quantities are rounded up — you cannot buy part of a tile, plank or bag.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the total project cost.
- Enter the project area.
- Add a benchmark rate if you want a comparison.
- Read the cost per ft², per m² and per yd².
Worked example
| Total cost | $39,204 |
|---|---|
| Area | 1,500 ft² |
| Cost per ft² | $39,204 ÷ 1,500 = $26.14 per ft² |
| Cost per m² | $39,204 ÷ 139.35 m² = $281.33 per m² |
| Vs benchmark ($30/ft²) | $26.14 − $30 = −$3.86 per ft² (under benchmark) |
Check it by hand: every step above uses the formula in the box. If your numbers match the example inputs but the calculator gives a different answer, please report it via the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good cost per square foot?
There is no single answer — it depends on the work, the finish and the location. Compare your figure with local quotes or a benchmark you enter yourself. This calculator does not publish a 'good' rate.
How do I use cost per square foot?
To compare quotes and to sanity-check a total: divide any total by its area and compare like with like. A kitchen and a bedroom have very different costs per square foot — compare the same kind of work.
Why is my cost per square foot so high?
Small areas cost more per square foot — fixed costs (permits, mobilisation, minimum charges) spread over fewer feet. Bathrooms and kitchens are always the most expensive per square foot.
Is this a quote?
No. It is a division of your own total by your own area — not a guaranteed quote or a price guide.
Related calculators
Estimates only. Results are for planning. Measure twice, confirm box coverage and tile sizes on the packaging you buy, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. See the disclaimer.