Square Feet to Square Meters: Complete Real Estate Conversion Guide
Everything you need to know about converting between square feet and square meters for real estate, construction, and property measurements.
Why Property Size Conversion Matters
Whether you're buying property abroad, comparing real estate listings from different countries, or working with international construction projects, understanding the difference between square feet and square meters is essential.
Square feet are primarily used in the United States, while square meters are the international standard. A property advertised as "2,000 square feet" might sound impressive to American buyers, but converts to only about 186 square meters - significantly smaller than it appears!
The Conversion Formula
The relationship between square feet and square meters is based on the linear conversion between feet and meters:
Square Feet to Square Meters Formula:
m² = ft² × 0.092903Or approximately: m² = ft² × 0.093
Square Meters to Square Feet Formula:
ft² = m² × 10.7639Or approximately: ft² = m² × 10.76
Real Estate Conversion Examples
Example 1: Small Apartment (500 sq ft)
500 ft² × 0.092903 = 46.45 m²A "500 square foot apartment" is actually 46 square meters - quite small by international standards!
Example 2: Average US Home (2,500 sq ft)
2,500 ft² × 0.092903 = 232.26 m²A typical American home converts to about 232 square meters - comparable to a spacious European apartment.
Example 3: Large Estate (10,000 sq ft)
10,000 ft² × 0.092903 = 929.03 m²A 10,000 square foot estate equals about 929 square meters - almost a hectare!
International Property Size Comparisons
| Property Type | US (sq ft) | Europe (m²) | Size Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | 400-600 | 37-56 | Small |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | 600-900 | 56-84 | Comfortable |
| 3-Bedroom House | 1,800-2,500 | 167-232 | Family home |
| Luxury Estate | 5,000-10,000 | 464-929 | Very large |
Room-by-Room Conversion Guide
Typical Room Sizes (US to Metric)
- Master Bedroom: 300 ft² → 28 m²
- Kitchen: 150 ft² → 14 m²
- Bathroom: 80 ft² → 7 m²
- Living Room: 400 ft² → 37 m²
- Garage: 500 ft² → 46 m²
Quick Conversion Reference
- 100 ft² = 9.3 m²
- 500 ft² = 46.5 m²
- 1,000 ft² = 92.9 m²
- 2,000 ft² = 185.8 m²
- 5,000 ft² = 464.5 m²
Construction and Building Applications
Beyond real estate, area conversion is crucial for construction and renovation projects:
- Flooring: Carpet, hardwood, or tile measurements
- Painting: Wall and ceiling surface areas
- Landscaping: Garden, patio, and outdoor space planning
- Commercial spaces: Office buildings, retail stores, warehouses
- Agriculture: Farm land, greenhouses, and crop areas
Use Our Area Converter Tools
For precise area conversions without manual calculations, use our professional converter tools:
Related Area Conversions
Beyond square feet and meters, you might need other area conversions:
Common Conversion Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake: Using approximate conversion
Many people use "1 sq ft = 0.1 sq m" as a rule of thumb, but the exact conversion is 0.092903. For precision work, use the exact formula.
Mistake: Confusing linear and area measurements
A room that's 10 feet × 10 feet is 100 square feet, not 100 square meters. Remember to square the conversion factor.