1. What is Exterior Square Footage?

Exterior square footage measures the total surface area of a home's exterior walls. It's used for estimating materials needed for siding, painting, or other exterior work.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Ft \) — Feet measurement
• \( In \) — Inches measurement (converted to feet)
• \( Perimeter \) — Distance around the house
• \( Height \) — Height of the walls
• \( Doors/Windows \) — Area of openings to subtract

Explanation: The formula calculates total wall area then subtracts areas not needing coverage (doors/windows).

3. Importance of Exterior Square Footage

Details: Accurate exterior measurements are essential for material estimation, cost calculations, and project planning for siding, painting, or insulation projects.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure perimeter by walking around the house. For height, measure from foundation to eaves. Include all significant openings (doors/windows) for accurate deductions.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I measure perimeter accurately?
A: Use a measuring wheel for best results, or measure each side separately and sum them.

Q2: Should I include gables in height measurement?
A: For siding/painting, measure to the peak. For material estimation, calculate gables separately.

Q3: What if my house has multiple heights?
A: Calculate each section separately, then sum the results.

Q4: How much should I deduct for windows?
A: Measure each window's height × width, or use standard sizes if exact measurements aren't available.

Q5: Does this include foundation/below-grade areas?
A: Typically no - exterior measurements usually start at grade level unless specified otherwise.