About the Price per Square Foot Calculator
Price per square foot is the simplest way to compare homes of different sizes. This calculator divides the asking or sale price by the finished living area to give a cost per square foot (and per square metre), then does the same for a comparable property so you can see which one is priced higher and by how much.
It also answers the question buyers and sellers really ask: what would this house be worth if it sold at the same price per square foot as the comp? That implied value, and the gap to the asking price, is a quick sense check before you make an offer, set a list price or challenge an appraisal.
Use finished, above-grade living area for both homes where possible, and choose comparables from the same neighbourhood, age and condition. Price per square foot ignores lot size, views, garages, basements and upgrades, and larger homes usually sell for less per square foot than smaller ones, so treat it as one input rather than a valuation.
With the default inputs, the price per square foot is $229.73. Change any value above to recalculate instantly.
How to use the price per square foot calculator
- 1Enter the home’s price and finished living area in square feet.
- 2Enter a recent comparable sale’s price and living area.
- 3Read the price per square foot for both homes and the percentage difference.
- 4Check the implied value to see whether the asking price looks high or low.
Formula and method
Price per square foot divides the total price by the finished living area. Because one square metre equals 10.7639 square feet, multiplying the per-square-foot figure by 10.7639 converts it to a per-square-metre price for metric markets.
The comparison computes the same ratio for a comparable sale and shows the percentage difference. Multiplying your home’s area by the comparable’s price per square foot gives the value your home would have if it sold at the same rate — the basic idea behind the sales-comparison approach appraisers use, before they adjust for differences such as condition, lot, garage and location.
- Price
- Asking or sale price
- Living area
- Finished square footage
- 10.7639
- Square feet in one square metre
Worked examples
$425k, 1,850 sq ft vs a $389k, 1,620 sq ft comp
$425,000 ÷ 1,850 = $229.73 per sq ft, while the comp sold for $240.12. At the comp’s rate this home would be worth $444,228, so it is priced about $19,228 below — 4.3% cheaper per square foot.
Smaller home priced higher per foot
The 2,400 sq ft home at $650,000 is $270.83 per sq ft versus $248.28 for the larger comp — 9.1% more. At the comp’s rate it would be worth about $595,862, about $54,138 less than asking.
Same price, different sizes
Two $300,000 homes are not equally priced: 1,200 sq ft works out to $250 per sq ft and 1,500 sq ft to $200. At $200 per sq ft, the smaller home would be worth $240,000.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate price per square foot?+
Divide the home’s price by its finished living area. A $400,000 home with 2,000 square feet costs $200 per square foot. Use the same measurement standard for every home you compare.
What square footage should I use?+
Use finished, heated living area, usually above grade. Garages, unfinished basements, porches and patios are normally excluded from gross living area in US appraisals, so including them would understate the price per square foot.
Why do bigger houses have a lower price per square foot?+
Fixed-cost items such as the kitchen, bathrooms, land and permits are spread over more space in a larger home, so each extra square foot adds less value. Compare homes of similar size where possible.
Is price per square foot a good way to value a house?+
It is a useful quick comparison but not a full valuation. Appraisers adjust comparable sales for location, lot size, condition, age, updates, garage and views. Use it alongside recent comparable sales and a professional opinion.
How do I convert price per square foot to price per square metre?+
Multiply by 10.7639, the number of square feet in a square metre. For example, $250 per square foot is about $2,691 per square metre.
Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Rates, fees and terms vary — confirm with your lender or a licensed advisor before making decisions.