How Your Home's Square Footage Is Calculated
Free guide for homeowners, buyers, sellers, and real estate agents
About This Guide
Square footage is one of the biggest factors in an appraisal, and it is often different from the number on a listing or tax record. Appraisers measure every home the same way, using the ANSI standard, a nationally adopted method that keeps measurements consistent.
This guide explains how we measure from the exterior walls, the difference between above-grade and below-grade space, and why a finished basement is reported separately from your main living area.
It also covers the minimum ceiling height, flooring, heating, and exit requirements that space must meet to count as finished area, what qualifies as a bedroom, and how split-levels, porches, decks, garages, and attics are handled.
Questions This Guide Answers
- What is the difference between above-grade and below-grade square footage?
- Does a finished basement count toward my square footage?
- What ceiling height does a room need to count as finished space?
- What qualifies as a bedroom in an appraisal?
- Do enclosed porches, screened porches, and decks count?
- Does a garage or converted garage count as living space?
- How are split-level homes measured?
More answers on our Frequently Asked Questions page, or browse all free guides.
Enter your email and we'll send you a private download link right away.
This guide explains how your home’s square footage is calculated using ANSI standards, including what qualifies as living space, how above- and below-grade areas are measured, and how features like basements, porches, and bedrooms impact your home’s overall value.