How to Calculate the Size of Your Attic
You may be wondering how to calculate the size of your attic in square feet. If so, you’re not alone. Many people are unclear about what is a standard calculation for this type of area and where it should be measured from.
This article will outline everything you need to know about measuring your attic’s square footage, including how to get an accurate measurement.
How do I figure out the square footage of my attic?
Understanding the size of your attic is important for several reasons. For example, you may want to gauge how much insulation or ventilation is needed. The best way to figure out the square footage of your attic is to measure the length and width from one wall to another. Follow these steps to calculate the square footage of your attic properly:
Step 1
Sketch out an outline of your attic on a piece of paper. This will give you a rough idea of your attic for reference and will allow you a place to jot down its dimensions. If your attic includes irregular shapes, such as triangles, mark these off so that the floor is divided into squares, rectangles, and irregular shapes.
Step 2
Measure the length and width of each square and rectangular area of the attic floor and note the dimensions on your drawing.
Step 3
Find the square footage of each square and rectangular area by multiplying the length and width dimensions.
Step 4
Calculate the area of triangular spaces by measuring the base and the vertical height of each triangle. Find the square footage by dividing the base dimension in half, then multiplying the result by the height. For example, if the base is 10 feet and the height is 10 feet, the square footage is 5 x 10 = 50 feet.
Step 5
Take the sum of all square footage values including the square, rectangular, and triangular areas to find the total square footage of your attic.
What is a standard measurement for an attic?
When talking about the size of an attic, the standard measurement used is square feet (sq. ft). You should also know that the length and width measurements are not the same as square footage, so when you measure your home’s attic, make sure to do two separate calculations: one from wall-to-wall in feet (length) and another from floor-to-floor in feet (width).
What is the average size of an attic?
The average size of an attic is typically between 1600 sq. ft and 1800 sq. ft, but that can vary depending on the building’s design.
What is considered attic space?
The attic space is the enclosed area of an attic, usually raised off of the ground. This includes any type of flooring – such as insulation or wood. Anything “above” that ceiling would be considered a crawlspace or a ceiling with no floor above it.
Does an attic count as square footage?
An attic is often considered to be square footage because it has a usable space that isn’t accounted for as a living area. This is an important distinction when budgeting the size of a home.
Is my attic the same square footage is my house?
Typically, for a single-story house, the attic will have approximately the same square footage as the house. However, in a multi-story house, the attic usually matches the footprint of the topmost story, although this can vary based on architectural design.