Field guide / 01—08
Measure a rectangular room
Record the right length and width for the surface you intend to cover.
Start with the surface you will work on
For a rectangular floor, measure the inside edges of the area to be covered. Record length and width in metres, along with the date and raw measurements. If opposite sides differ, check the actual shape before relying on a single rectangle.
Calculate with units
Floor area = length × width. Two lengths in metres produce square metres (m²), not metres. Convert 320 cm to 3.20 m before multiplying it by a measurement in metres. For a wall, use wall width × wall height and record openings separately.
Check the site again
A small labelled sketch makes swapped dimensions easier to spot. Measure uneven edges at several points. A calculator only uses the numbers entered; the actual shape, gaps and obstacles still need an on-site check.