How to calculate square metres

How to calculate square metres

LUKE
View the video
Pause video

How to calculate square metres

View the video
×

Project Overview

Calculating the size of a space, as accurately as possible, is an important step in any construction or D.I.Y. project. You need these measurements to be right when ordering materials. Follow the simple steps in this video to make sure you’re measuring square metres correctly. 
Continue to Step-by-step instructions.

Step by Step Instructions

1 Break down your area for measuring
2 Round up your measurements
3 Use your measurements to calculate the area

  • Step 1. Break down your area for measuring

    When measuring large areas, breaking it down into smaller sections will make it easier. For this project, we have broken our space into two rectangles that will be measured separately then added together. Measure the first of these rectangles, starting with the width, followed by the length, and repeat the process on the second rectangle. Mark these measurements in your notebook.
    Previous Step Next Step
    Man measuring project

  • Step 2. Round up your measurements

    It’s always a good idea to round up your measurements. Once you have finished calculating all the measurements, add a 10 per cent contingency on top to make sure you have more than enough materials for the job you’re about to undertake.  

    Previous Step Next Step
    Man measuring and rounding up complete project

  • Step 3. Use your measurements to calculate the area

    To calculate the area of each of your rectangles, multiply the length by the width. For this project, that sum is 3.3m x 1.3m = 3.63m2 for the first rectangle, and 2.6 x 5.2 = 13.52m2 for the second. Because we are measuring the whole deck, we add these numbers together to get the final area measurement. So that sum is 3.63 + 13.52 = 17.15m2. Make sure to add the 10 per cent contingency to this final sum. You can do this by multiplying the total by 1.1. So 17.15 x 1.1 = 18.865m2.

    Previous Step Next Step
    Calculate the square metres for your project

More D.I.Y. Advice

Person laying the pavers 03:50

Paths & Landscaping How to pave a pathway Watch our step-by-step guide and find out how to prepare and lay a pathway with pavers.

Person connecting the top arch 01:21

Paths & Landscaping How to build a garden archway You can make an eye-catching feature in any garden with this metal archway. We’ll take you through the simple steps to build an archway and secure it in place.

Apply the sealer to the sides of each paver 01:25

Paths & Landscaping How to Seal Pavers Applying sealer gives your pavers a protective coating that’s also easy to clean. We’ll show you how to do this in your backyard in just four easy steps.

Add mortar on end of brick 07:40

Paths & Landscaping How to build a brick letterbox Find out everything you need to know to help you build a brick letterbox for your front yard.

Removing damaged concrete from path with crow bar 05:09

Paths & Landscaping How to repair a concrete path Learn everything you need to know to repair a concrete path yourself.

water feature

Paths & Landscaping Six garden feature ideas Whether you’ve got an acre or a patio area, chances are when it comes to your garden, there’s always room for improvement. And you’d be surprised, it doesn’t take a lot to transform your outside space and make it a more attractive and enjoyable plac...

Consider your line of sight 01:30

Paths & Landscaping How to create a focal point in your garden A focal point in your garden is a great way to highlight certain features or create a particular mood. We’ll show you a few different types that you can create.

Man cutting pavers with hammer and chisel 02:41

Paths & Landscaping How to cut pavers Find out how to cut pavers to size using an angle grinder or a chisel and hammer. Just follow our step-by-step guide.

diy chalkboard cabinet hanging in the garage 01:27

Shelving & Storage D.I.Y. upcycled chalkboard cabinet We take an old cabinet and upcycle it into a handy chalkboard cabinet that will give you somewhere to store tools and a place to write lists or plans for your next project.

honeycomb wall shelves 02:23

Shelving & Storage How to make D.I.Y. honeycomb floating wall shelves These honeycomb floating wall shelves are a modern and stylish way to make a feature of any wall in your house. They’re easy to make and they’ll give a somewhere to show off your favourite things.

bathroom rejuvination 01:44

Ideas & Makeovers Learn how to give your bathroom a makeover on a budget Simple and affordable ways to give your tired bathroom a makeover.

roses in garden

Planting & Growing Winter garden ideas It may be cold outside in most parts of Australia but there are still a few things that need to be done in the garden at this time of the year. But if you can’t face going outside, you can always bring your garden inside suggests Bunnings horticultu...

diy wood and concrete kitchen island 05:43

Outdoor Living D.I.Y. wood and concrete kitchen island You’d be surprised how easy it is to make this wooden and concrete kitchen island from just a few simple tools and materials.

Modern living room DIY makeover 01:29

Living Room How to give your living room a modern D.I.Y. makeover There are a few simple ways to freshen up a tired living room and make it a real feature in your home. You can create more space by knocking out a wall and updating the furnishings to fit. By adding floating cabinetry and open shelves, you’ll have m...

black diy wooden sofa arm table 02:49

Living Room D.I.Y. wooden sofa arm table A sofa arm table is a great addition if you’re short on space or don’t have a coffee table in your living area.

hampton kitchen

Ideas & Makeovers Hamptons sanctuary Bright, open and stylish are the hallmarks of the Hamptons Sanctuary. The island bench doubles as a workspace and breakfast bar, while the bamboo benchtops and window panel cupboards complete the look.

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint Test.

Top of the content