How To Convert Square Feet To Square Meters Calculator
Converting square feet to square metres is a single multiplication, but it is the one conversion where the most common mistake, using the linear factor once instead of squaring it, produces an answer that is wrong by a factor of 3.28.
Area in square meters
111.4836
- Same area in square yards
- 133.3333
- Same area in square inches
- 172,800
- Same area in acres
- 0.0275
Values update as you type. This calculator covers the single scenario its formula assumes — see Common Mistakes for what it leaves out.
The formula this calculator uses
m2 = sq ft x 0.09290304
- sq ft
- Area in square feet, the starting measurement
- 0.09290304
- Exact square metres in one square foot, equal to 0.3048 squared
- m2
- Area in square metres
- yd2
- Square yards, where one square yard equals 9 square feet
How to check the result by hand
- 1
Confirm that the quantity is an area, not a length
Square feet measure an area, so the conversion must square the length factor. A measurement of 12 feet is a length, while 1200 square feet is an area, and the two are handled with different factors.
- 2
Square the linear factor
One foot is exactly 0.3048 metres, so one square foot is 0.3048 x 0.3048 = 0.09290304 square metres. Write the squared factor down once and reuse it, rather than squaring again at every step.
- 3
Multiply the square feet by the squared factor
For 1200 square feet, compute 1200 x 0.09290304 = 111.483648 square metres. Do not reach for 0.3048 at this point; that is the linear factor, and using it here is the error this whole page is about.
- 4
Cross-check with the imperial relationships
One square yard is 9 square feet, so 1200 / 9 = 133.33333333333334 square yards. One square foot is 144 square inches, so 1200 x 144 = 172800 square inches. If these agree with the square-metre figure, the area is consistent.
- 5
Reverse the calculation and round once
Divide the result by the factor: 111.483648 / 0.09290304 = 1200 square feet, confirming the round trip. Then round the displayed answer to match the measurement, so 111.483648 becomes about 111.5 square metres.
For worked examples, common mistakes and the limits of this formula, read the full How To Convert Square Feet To Square Meters page.