WHY IS THE TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE DIFFERENT FROM THE SUM OF THE DIMENSIONS?
When reviewing a floor plan, you might notice that the total square footage doesn’t always align with the sum of individual room dimensions.
This discrepancy can raise questions, especially for homebuyers, real estate agents, or anyone looking at property listings.
Understanding why this happens is key to interpreting square footage calculations accurately and helps in making informed decisions.
Here are several common reasons why the total square footage can differ from the sum of the dimensions:
1. WALL THICKNESS MATTERS
One of the most common reasons for differences in square footage calculations is the inclusion of wall thickness.
When calculating the total square footage of a property, measurements often include the thickness of the exterior walls.
On the other hand, room dimensions typically reflect only interior spaces, helping potential buyers visualize the living area.
This is why adding up room dimensions doesn’t always match the total square footage
2. UNMEASURED OR IRREGULAR SPACES
Areas like closets, hallways, storage rooms, or spaces under staircases may not always be explicitly measured
or listed in floor plan dimensions but are still included in the overall square footage.
These smaller, irregular spaces can add up and contribute to the difference.
Additionally, unfinished areas like basements or attics may be partially included in the total square footage, depending on how they are measured.
3. ROOM SHAPE AND LAYOUT
Rooms are not always perfect rectangles or squares.
Irregularly shaped rooms, such as those with bay windows or angled walls, can be challenging to calculate using simple length-by-width formulas.
In such cases, the total square footage may be calculated using more advanced methods that account for every corner and shape,
leading to differences when compared to the sum of room dimensions.
CONCLUSION
The total square footage often includes elements not reflected in room dimensions,
like wall thickness, unmeasured spaces, irregular layouts, and varying standards.
Understanding this helps buyers and real estate professionals evaluate properties accurately, avoiding confusion when reviewing floor plans.
Accurate square footage is crucial for property value, renovations, and resale potential.
If you're ever uncertain about square footage calculations or need a precise floor plan, Keyplan can help.
Our professional measuring services ensure accuracy and consistency.
At Keyplan, we specialize in the most up-to-date BOMA and ANSI methods, using AutoCAD and highly precise laser tools.
We minimize errors and avoid discrepancies, ensuring you can trust our professionalism without any doubts.
