How To Work Out Square Metres When Renovating Your Home

Regardless of the size of your space or the amount of experience under your belt, renovating can feel daunting. And if numbers have never been your strong suit, trying to work out square metres might be a real roadblock. So, follow along with this step-by-step guide on how to work out square metres and you’ll have your renovations off the ground in no time. 

Understanding square metres

Square metres (m2) is a measurement unit representing a two-dimensional space's size, like a wall or floor. Understanding the concept and how to work out m2 is crucial before you decide on any DIY or home improvement projects. This is because it will help you estimate the materials required for your project and the associated costs. 

How to work out square metres

As square metres is the chief measurement unit in the UK, understanding it is a critical first step for any renovation project. To avoid waste and additional costs, getting accurate measurements of the space you want to spruce up ensures you purchase the right amount of materials. When you want to use more bespoke materials like wall panels, you need to have your measurement calculation method down to a tee. So, keep these tips in mind as you measure your soon-to-be panelled wall space: 

The tools you’ll need

• A measuring tape (preferably in centimetres and metres to avoid the need to convert).
• A calculator.
• A pen and paper, or whatever device you prefer to record your measurements.

Step-by-step process

1. Measure the height of your wall from floor to ceiling in metres and take note of this measurement.

2. Measure the width of your wall end-to-end in metres and take note of this measurement.

3. Multiply the height by the width to get the area of the wall in m2.

   Formula: Area of wall in m2 = height of wall x width of wall
   Example: If your wall measures 2.5m high and 4m wide, the calculation would be: 2.5m x 4m = 10m2.

4. Account for obstructions like doors and windows. Measure each door and window within the area of your wall, calculate their areas in the same way that you would calculate the m2 of your wall, and subtract the total area of obstructions in m2 from the total area of your wall.

   Formula: Usable wall area in m2 = area of wall in m2 - total area of obstructions in m2
   Example: If you have a window that is 1m tall and 1.2m wide, multiply 1m by 1.2m to get 1.2 m2. Then, take the total area of your wall (10m2) and subtract the total area of your obstruction (1.2m2) to get the usable wall area (8.8m2).
   Tip: It is best to calculate all the obstructions and add them together before subtracting the total from your wall area. 

5. Measure twice, cut once. Always be sure to double-check your measurements before finalising your calculations. 

Tips to keep in mind

Aside from mathematics anxiety, working out m2 is further complicated by irregular room shapes and the need to convert between units of measurement. So, wherever possible, measure in centimetres and metres. If you only have measurement tools in feet, carefully convert your measurements into metres to ensure you can get the materials you need from a UK provider. Furthermore, if your room is irregularly shaped you will need to break the area down into separate square sections and add them together for the total area. 

Other useful tips:

• Always include the additional cm part of the measurement.
• Keep your measurement tools consistent throughout the measurement process. 
• There is a difference between metres squared and square metres. For an area to be square metres, the length and width must be the same. 

Wall panelling inspiration

Now that you’ve calculated your square meterage, you’re ready to start shopping for materials and bring your ideas to life. If you’re feeling uninspired and short on ideas, we have extensive guides on breathing life into bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and kitchens over on our blog page.