How to Measure a Countertop | How to Figure Square Footage | Granite Square Footage
Posted by Beth Jackson on Wed, Dec 30, 2009 @ 08:32 AM
How To Measure a Countertop
By: Paulette Faust
My daughter is a Junior in High School. One of her projects in Math class is to interview someone who job is impacted on a daily basis with Mathematical skills. Who better to interview but her own mother! The question might be raised did she take the easy way out or was she really interested? I thought I would give her the benefit of the doubt. It seems that because I have a small business that I use math every day, but one of the questions that I run across consistently is how do I figure out the square footage of my countertop?
I am in the granite countertop business in Charlotte, NC. Although math comes easy for me, I must say some kitchen configurations are more complicated than your basic length times width.
To start figuring out the square foot of a countertop take measurements of the total length of each piece of countertop you want granite on. This measurement should be along the back where the top meets the wall.
Make sure your measurements are in inches, (FYI 1 foot = 12 inches). Typically, I multiply the length by 25.5 inches since most cabinets are 24 inches and the granite will over hang the cabinet by 1.5 inches. Once you get that figure divide that by 144 to give you square feet of granite. Example total length (102 + 60 + 18) x 25.5 = 4590 /144 = 31.9 sq ft
If you want to include a back splash multiply the length along the wall by 4 inches. Divide that number by 144 and that should give you square feet of granite backsplash needed. Example Total length (108 + 126 + 25.5) x 4 = 259.5 / 144 = 1.8 sq ft
If you have an island or a bar top you need to measure the length times the width in inches and divide that by 144. Example (78" x 48")/144 = 26 sq ft
Once you have all the square feet just add them up and you have the total square foot of the kitchen! It as easy as (length x width)/144! Example 31.9 + 1.8 + 26 = 59.7 total square feet of granite is needed for this kitchen!
My math skills have improved as I use math every day. I can honestly say that I realize how important mental math is and how much I rely on my calculator. It is probably one of my most used tools.