For a straight countertop run, multiply its length by its depth. For an L-shaped countertop, add both run lengths together, multiply by depth, then subtract the corner overlap.
Countertop Square Footage Calculator
Countertop square footage from run lengths and depth, including an L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen layout.
Measuring Countertop Square Footage
This countertop square footage calculator covers both a simple straight run and an L-shaped kitchen layout, which is common enough to need its own mode since simply adding the two run lengths and multiplying by depth double-counts the corner area where the two runs meet. Getting an accurate square footage is the first step before pricing material and fabrication with a countertop cost calculator.
This covers related searches such as countertop square footage calculator, how to measure countertop area, and L-shaped countertop square feet calculation.
Depending on what you are measuring, one of these may suit the job better: Irregular Countertop Area Calculator.
How the Countertop Square Footage Calculator Works
Straight Run Mode
Area = Run length × Depth
L-Shaped Mode
Area = (Run 1 length + Run 2 length) × Depth − Corner overlap deduction
Worked Examples
Straight run: 10 ft long, 25 in (2.083 ft) deep: Area = 10 × 2.083 = 20.83 ft². L-shaped: Run 1 = 8 ft, Run 2 = 6 ft, depth 25 in (2.083 ft), corner overlap 4.3 ft²: Area = (8 + 6) × 2.083 − 4.3 = 29.17 − 4.3 = 24.87 ft².
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to subtract a corner overlap for L-shaped countertops?
When two countertop runs meet at a corner, simply adding both run lengths and multiplying by depth counts the corner square twice — subtracting the overlap corrects for that double-counted area.
What’s a typical countertop depth?
Standard kitchen countertop depth is commonly around 25 inches, though this varies by cabinet style and design — measure your actual cabinet depth plus any overhang for the most accurate figure.
Does this calculator handle U-shaped kitchens?
Not directly — a U-shaped layout can be broken into a straight run plus an L-shaped section (or measured as three separate straight runs with two corner deductions) using this calculator’s modes in combination.
Should I measure the overhang past the cabinet face?
Yes — countertop depth should include any overhang beyond the cabinet face (such as for an overhanging edge), since that’s real material square footage your fabricator needs to account for.
How accurate is a fixed corner overlap deduction?
The corner overlap depends on your specific countertop depth and corner style, so the value used here is a reasonable general figure — for an exact fabrication quote, your fabricator will typically template your kitchen for precise dimensions.
Do I need to account for a sink or cooktop cutout in square footage?
No — a sink or cooktop cutout is typically priced as a separate fabrication charge rather than deducted from square footage, since the surrounding material is still purchased and fabricated.
Does island countertop area get measured the same way?
Yes — a straight island countertop uses the same length-times-depth formula, treating the island’s own dimensions as the run length and depth.
What if my kitchen has more than two runs, like a U-shape?
Add up each straight run’s area separately using the straight-run mode, then subtract a corner overlap deduction for each corner where two runs meet, similar to how the L-shaped mode handles a single corner.
Should I measure before or after cabinets are installed?
Measuring after cabinets are installed (or from accurate cabinet layout drawings) gives a more reliable countertop area than estimating from a rough floor plan, since cabinet placement determines the actual countertop footprint.
