Cost per Square Foot Calculator
Sanity-check any remodel quote. Enter the cost and area to get the per-square-foot figure and see how it compares to the typical range for that project type.
Cost per square foot is the contractor's-eye sanity check: one number that tells you whether a quote is in the right universe. This calculator computes it and, crucially, places it against the typical range for the project type so the figure has context instead of just sitting there.
It pairs naturally with the Renovation Budget Estimator for the full build-up, and the deeper method is in cost per square foot remodeling.
FAQ
- What's a typical cost per square foot for a remodel?
- Rough 2026 bands: kitchens $100–$250/ft², bathrooms $120–$300, additions $150–$400, whole-home renovations $60–$150, and basement finishes $30–$75. Finishes, structural work, and your local labor market move these significantly.
- How do I use cost per square foot?
- As a fast outlier check, not a precise estimate. Divide a quote by the area and compare to the typical band — a number well below might signal a thin scope or missing line items; well above signals premium finishes or a high-cost market. Either way, then read the itemized quote.
- Why isn't cost per square foot more accurate?
- It averages away everything that actually drives cost: a kitchen's price is mostly cabinets and appliances, not floor area, so a small high-end kitchen can far exceed a large basic one per square foot. Use it to compare like with like and to spot outliers.
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