Square footage is a term of measurement that refers to the amount of available space in a specific area. It only measures the flat space of an area and uses a calculation that multiplies the length by the width.
If you’re currently searching for an apartment, you’re likely asking yourself “how much square footage do I need?”. When choosing the right property, you’ll consider many factors, such as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and total square footage. Property descriptions typically list how many square feet you get, and you can determine whether this amount of space is enough for you. But, first, you’ll need to decide how much square footage you need.
How is square footage calculated?
- Area in square feet = Length (in feet) x width (in feet)
A square foot is a measurement that describes the amount of space available. In technical terms, each square foot is a square that measures one foot in length on each side. You can get the square footage of a room by multiplying the width by the length. For example, a 12-foot-by-12-foot room is 144 square feet in size.
11 things to consider when determining how much square footage you need
You can use several methods when deciding how much square footage you need. For one, you can compare your square footage needs to your current residence. You may be able to find the square footage on the property listing. You can also measure your current apartment yourself. A standard tile is one square foot in size, so you can count the tiles if you have tile flooring throughout the apartment.
Alternatively, you can measure your existing space with a tape measure. You’ll need the length and width dimensions of each room. Multiply the length by the width to calculate the square footage. Repeat this process in each room. Then, add the measurements together to get the complete square footage of your space. Now, look at your space and decide if you want more square footage or could manage with less space. You can also evaluate square footage by room. Perhaps you want a larger kitchen but could work with less space in the bedroom. Consider the following:
When determining how much square footage you need as a renter, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure that the space you choose meets your needs and fits within your budget. Here are some key considerations:
1. Budget
Your budget is a critical factor in determining the square footage you can afford. A larger space typically comes with a higher rent, as well as increased utility and maintenance costs. Consider what you can comfortably afford without overextending yourself.
2. Lifestyle
our lifestyle and daily routines will impact your space requirements. Consider how you use your space – for work, relaxation, entertaining, hobbies, or storage. If you work from home, you may need a dedicated home office. If you enjoy cooking, a well-equipped kitchen might be essential.
3. Number of occupants
The number of people living in the rental unit will influence the required square footage. More people generally need more space. Consider bedrooms, bathrooms, and common areas when assessing your needs. Consider how many people are in your household. If you live alone, less square footage may be suitable. However, you may want a larger space if you have a large family. How each family member uses the space also matters. If your family or your roommate spends most of the day away from home, you may not care as much about having ample square footage in the apartment. Determining how much square footage you need is important to making sure every member of your household will be comfortable in the space.
4. Furniture and belongings
Take into account the size and quantity of your furniture and personal belongings. Ensure that you have enough space to comfortably fit your possessions without feeling cramped. Square footage typically includes closet space. If you have a significant amount of items to store or furniture, you may need ample space to accommodate everything. If you plan on purchasing furniture based on the space, increased square footage may not be as important to you. If you have furniture that you plan on bringing to your new apartment, you may want to measure it ahead of time to make sure all the items fit into the space.
5. Future plans
Think about your future plans. Are you likely to acquire more belongings or start a family? If so, you may need a larger space. Conversely, if you plan to downsize or declutter, a smaller space might be sufficient.
6. Activities and hobbies
Consider any specific activities or hobbies that require space. For example, if you are an artist, you’ll need an area for your art supplies and work. If you enjoy fitness, you may need space for exercise equipment.
7. Storage needs
Adequate storage is essential to keep your living space organized and clutter-free. Consider whether the rental unit has sufficient closet space or if you’ll need additional storage solutions.
8. Location and amenities
The location of the rental property and the amenities it offers can impact your space requirements. If you’re in a city with many entertainment options and dining establishments, you might spend less time at home and need less space for entertaining.
9. Climate and seasons
If you live in an area with extreme weather, consider how you’ll spend your time indoors during different seasons. You may need more space for indoor activities during cold or hot months.
10. Personal preferences
Your personal preferences, such as the desire for open spaces, privacy, or natural light, can influence your square footage requirements. Some people may feel comfortable in a cozy, smaller space, while others prefer a more expansive, open floor plan.
11. Accessibility
Consider any mobility needs or accessibility requirements, especially if you or a family member has physical limitations. You may need a rental with wider doorways, ramps, or other accommodations.
How to measure the square footage of an apartment
When determining a home or apartment’s square footage, you would need to calculate the square footage of each room and add the numbers together. If you’re wondering how to measure square feet, start by getting a tape measure and using it to determine the length and width of a room.
This is easiest in square or rectangular rooms, but there are modifications you can make to calculate the square footage of an oddly shaped room. For a square or rectangular room, multiply the two numbers together to get the square footage of that space. If your room is circular, try breaking it into square- or rectangle-shaped sections and calculate their square footage individually. In rooms with many angles, a triangular formula might work, which simply divides the result of the original formula by two.
After you get a square footage number for each room, you can add them all together to get the total square footage of the house, apartment, or condo. Don’t forget to include the square footage of any closets, bathrooms, and bonus space in the total number. It might be easier to calculate the total with a sketch of the unit, which you can use to keep track of all the rooms and hallways.
What to exclude from square footage calculations
Any finished area of a residence should be included as usable square footage in the total number. However, any unfinished area doesn’t count, such as an unfinished attic or basement that doesn’t function as a living area. In some states, a basement is excluded from the usable square footage even if it’s finished.
You also shouldn’t include outdoor spaces, such as garages, porches, or patios in your number, unless the garage has been converted to a living space. A good rule of thumb to follow is to include any space in a home that has a ceiling height that measures seven feet or higher and walls around it.
What other factors can contribute your square footage needs?
Thinking about square footage can help you narrow down your apartment options. How much square footage you need depends on many factors, including the following:
Personal space needs
In addition to considering how many people are in the household, you’ll also want to consider the space preferences of everyone. If your family is close and children don’t mind sharing rooms and spending time together in shared rooms, less square footage may be an option. If you plan on sharing your rental with roommates, having access to personal spaces may be a requirement.
Energy efficiency
Smaller spaces are often more energy-efficient, which can lead to lower utility costs. Consider how energy-efficient the rental unit is and whether it aligns with your sustainability goals.
Pets
If you have pets or plan to get them, you’ll need to account for their space and comfort. Larger pets, like dogs, may require outdoor space or a larger interior for them to move around comfortably.
Natural light and ventilation
Access to natural light and ventilation can impact the perceived spaciousness of a room. Adequate windows and good natural light can make a smaller space feel more open and airy.
You won’t find a universal square footage figure that fits everyone’s household needs. Again, you’ll want to consider several factors when determining the property size for you.
What are the rates for the average square footage of a property?
You can evaluate average square footage and adjust as needed. According to Rocket Mortgage, the average square footage of a U.S. home in 2019 was 2,301 square feet. This figure is slightly up from the first time average square footage had been calculated in 1973. At that time, the average square footage of a home was approximately 1,660 square feet.
Data from Statista finds that location also affects average square footage. New York and California apartments are significantly smaller than apartments in rural states like Maine or Wyoming. This data also shows that people in the highly populated states pay more per square foot due to increased property demand.
The importance of touring your potential unit
Square footage can be a meaningful way to narrow down properties, but it shouldn’t be the only consideration when choosing one. Two properties with the same square footage can appear very different depending on the layout. In addition to the total square footage, it’s also essential to know how the square footage gets distributed among the rooms. The only way to know is to tour an apartment before renting it.
A 2,000-square-foot apartment with four bedrooms won’t appear as spacious as a 2,000-square-foot apartment with two bedrooms. You can further narrow down your options by considering what rooms are the most important to you. For example, if you value cooking, you may want a larger kitchen space instead of a spacious bedroom. If you work from home, an office space with increased square footage may be more important than extra space in the kitchen.
Finding the perfect sized apartment for your needs
When shopping for apartments, the most common sizes are by far the studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments. Whether you are hoping to live by yourself or share your apartment with your 5 best friends, the chances are that you need a place that meets some basic needs. It’s important to consider what makes an apartment the right size given the people who want to live there.
Studio
Studio apartments are ideal for those looking to live alone. Studios can also be a great way to save money on rent as they are usually priced lower than one or two bedroom apartments. The average size of a studio apartment ranges from 200 to 500 square feet. There are different types of studios including alcove studios which have a nook or separate space where you can place a bed or couch and create the illusion of more space. Another type of studio apartment is a loft. Loft apartments are generally one open space but are much larger than the typical studio, often with high ceilings and lots of natural light.
1-bedroom
While many single renters choose to live in a studio apartment, there is a case to be made for a 1-bedroom. Living alone can reduce opportunities to socialize, especially if you find yourself in a demanding job, so devoting specific space in your apartment to a living room (that doesn’t have your bed in it!) is a great way to convey your personal priority to host dinner parties and movie nights. At the same time, a living room couch to let a friend crash on can be a nice way to show hospitality without paying to have a spare bedroom all the time. 1-bedroom apartments are also great option for couples. The size of 1-bedroom apartments will vary but are typically around 600 to 1,000 square feet.
2-bedroom
If you plan on sharing your living space with roommates, you’ll want to search for 2-bedroom apartments. Having your own living space is ideal for a solid roommate relationship. However, 2-bedroom apartments don’t just have to be for multiple residents. If you work from home or are looking for extra space, a 2-bedroom apartment may be the right fit for you. The size of a 2-bedroom apartment is typically 800 to 1,200 square feet.
FAQ’s: Calculating the square footage of an apartment
Calculating a room with a closet is essentially calculating two rectangular rooms. First find the square footage of the primary room, then the closet. Once you have those two measurements, you can add them together to determine your total square footage.
To calculate the square footage for rooms that are shapes other than squares and rectangles, you will need to separate the space into measurable areas and then add the total together. To simply, use the formula for a triangle if your room has lots of angles. The formula to determine the square footage of a triangle is base x height/2. Once you have each angle measured, you can add up your measurements to find the total.
In real estate, the term “usable square footage” refers to the space a tenant occupies. For example, in an apartment complex the usable square footage could include common areas accessible to the renter including recreation rooms, fitness centers, elevators, and communal bathrooms.
Considering your living preferences and the number and size of your possessions can help you find an apartment that fits your space needs. Begin your apartment search with a range and adjust as needed, adding or reducing square footage based on your needs and desires.
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