Cost Per Square Foot Calculator
Turn a price and a floor area into cost per square foot and per square metre — and put two spaces side by side to see which is genuinely better value.
Cost per unit area
Space B is the better value per square foot (290.91 vs 300).
Comparing cost per square foot puts two spaces on the same footing regardless of headline price or total size. Leave Space B blank to price a single space.
The one number that makes listings comparable
Asking prices are hard to compare because they bundle size and value together. Cost per square foot pulls them apart: it tells you what you’re paying for space itself, which is why agents, buyers, and renters lean on it to sanity-check whether a place is priced in line with the market.
Price both spaces you’re weighing up and the comparison becomes obvious — the smaller flat might actually cost more per foot than the larger one. Just remember the figure ignores everything qualitative, so use it to narrow the field, not to make the final call on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate cost per square foot?
Divide the total price by the floor area in square feet. A $300,000 space of 1,000 sq ft works out to $300 per square foot. This calculator does that and also shows the equivalent cost per square metre.
Why compare properties by cost per square foot?
It normalises price against size, so a bigger, pricier space and a smaller, cheaper one can be compared on the same footing. Two flats with very different asking prices can have near-identical value once you look per square foot.
How do I convert cost per square foot to per square metre?
One square metre is about 10.76 square feet, so cost per square metre is roughly the per-square-foot figure divided by 0.0929 — about 10.76 times higher. The calculator shows both so you can compare against listings in either unit.
Is the cheapest cost per square foot always the best deal?
No. Cost per square foot is one lens, not the whole picture. Ceiling height, natural light, layout efficiency, condition, and location can make a slightly pricier space the better home. Use it to shortlist, then judge each place on its merits.
Does usable floor area differ from advertised area?
Often, yes. Sloped loft ceilings, thick walls, and shared spaces can mean the area you can actually use is smaller than the headline figure. Where you can, base the calculation on usable floor area for a fairer comparison.
Estimates for planning — not professional real-estate, architecture, or financial advice. For a purchase or valuation, rely on a professional assessment.