# Price Per Sqft Calculator

Calculate price per square foot for any property. Compare real estate values by dividing price by square footage. Free price per sqft calculator.

## What this calculates

Find out the price per square foot for any property in seconds. Just enter the total price and square footage to compare properties on a level playing field.

## Inputs

- **Total Price** ($) — min 0 — The purchase price or listing price of the property.
- **Square Footage** (sq ft) — min 1 — Total livable square footage of the property.

## Outputs

- **Price Per Sq Ft** — formatted as currency — Cost per square foot of livable space.
- **Total Price** — formatted as currency — The total property price entered.
- **Total Square Footage** — The total square footage entered.

## Details

Price per square foot is one of the most common metrics for comparing real estate values. It lets you stack up properties of different sizes and prices to see which one actually gives you more home for your money. The formula is simple: divide the total price by the livable square footage.

For example, a $350,000 home with 1,800 sq ft works out to about $194 per square foot. A $420,000 home with 2,400 sq ft comes in at $175 per square foot, making it the better value on a per-foot basis even though the sticker price is higher.

Keep in mind that price per square foot varies widely by location, neighborhood, property type, and condition. A downtown condo at $400/sqft and a suburban home at $150/sqft are not directly comparable because you are also paying for location and amenities. Use this metric as one factor alongside neighborhood, school district, condition, and lot size when evaluating properties.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What is a good price per square foot?**

A: There is no universal answer because price per square foot varies dramatically by location. The national median is roughly $150-200 per square foot, but major metro areas like San Francisco or New York can exceed $800/sqft, while rural areas may be $80-120/sqft. Compare the price per square foot of a property to similar homes in the same neighborhood to determine if it is a good deal.

**Q: Does price per square foot include the garage or basement?**

A: Typically, price per square foot is calculated using livable (or finished) square footage only. Garages, unfinished basements, and attic space are usually excluded. However, listing practices vary by region, so always verify what is included in the square footage number. A finished basement may or may not be counted depending on local MLS standards.

**Q: Why do smaller homes have a higher price per square foot?**

A: Smaller homes often have a higher price per square foot because certain fixed costs like the kitchen, bathrooms, HVAC system, and roof are spread over fewer square feet. A 1,000 sq ft house still needs a full kitchen and at least one bathroom, just like a 2,500 sq ft house. The land value is also spread over less interior space. This is sometimes called the 'small home premium.'

**Q: Can I use price per square foot for commercial properties?**

A: Yes, price per square foot (or per square meter) is widely used for commercial real estate including office space, retail, and industrial properties. Commercial properties are also often quoted in annual rent per square foot. For example, Class A office space might lease for $40-60 per square foot per year depending on the market.

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Source: https://vastcalc.com/calculators/finance/price-per-sqft
Category: Finance
Last updated: 2026-04-08