To calculate cost per square foot, divide the total cost by the total square footage. A $350,000 house with 2,000 sq ft of living space costs $175 per square foot. Enter any total and area below, or multiply a rate by an area to get a total.
How do you calculate cost per square foot?
Cost per square foot equals total cost divided by square footage. The formula works for building a house, buying a home, flooring, decking or any area-based project:
- Cost per sq ft = total cost ÷ square feet
- Total cost = cost per sq ft × square feet
- Square feet = length × width (for each rectangular room, then add the rooms together)
What square footage should you use for a house?
Use the heated living area, the finished space you heat and cool. Builders and appraisers usually exclude garages, unfinished basements, porches and attics. Including them makes the cost per square foot look lower than it really is, so check what is counted when you compare quotes.
What is a good cost per square foot to build a house?
The US median is about $166 per sq ft for a standard-finish new home in 2025, with most states between $145 and $215 (Today’s Homeowner data via Autodesk). See cost to build a house per square foot for rates by finish, size and state, or use the home building cost calculator for a full estimate.
Examples
| Total cost | Area | Cost per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | 1,500 sq ft | $166.67 |
| $332,000 | 2,000 sq ft | $166.00 |
| $450,000 | 2,500 sq ft | $180.00 |
| $600,000 | 3,000 sq ft | $200.00 |
Frequently asked questions
Does cost per square foot include land?
No. A construction cost per square foot should exclude land. If a figure includes the lot, it is an all-in price and will look much higher.
How do I find the price per square foot of a home for sale?
Divide the listing price by the listed square footage. Remember that this price includes the land, unlike a construction cost.