Measuring an area accurately
Measure the longest length and width of the space in feet, rounding up slightly so you do not come up short. For rooms with alcoves or bump-outs, divide the floor into simple rectangles, find each one's square footage, and add them. Always measure twice before you buy materials.
Turning square footage into materials
Square footage is the starting point for ordering flooring, tile, carpet, sod or paint. Add a waste allowance so cuts and breakages do not leave you short, and round up to the nearest box or roll. Keep a little extra on hand for future repairs that match your original batch.