Installing a new countertop will help refresh the look of your kitchen and make the process of preparing your favorite meals easier and more enjoyable. However, in order to compare the cost of materials for countertops, such as laminate or granite, you will need to accurately calculate the surface area of your countertop.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Measuring Lengths
Step 1. Count the number of sections that make up your tabletop
You will need to measure each area separated by household appliances, a sink, or something else. Be sure to include all splash-proof walls behind the sink, and the kitchen island in a separate section if you have one in your kitchen.
- If you are in doubt whether it is possible to split your countertop in length into one section or two, it is better to split it into two in order to make the most accurate measurements.
- At the corner section, split it into two perpendicular sections.
Step 2. On a piece of paper, make a table with three columns
one for the lengths of the sections, another for their width, and the third for the area of the zone. When all measurements have been made, you can calculate the total surface area by adding the numbers from the last column.
Step 3. Measure the length of the first section with a tape measure
Make sure to measure the length of the section from the far wall to the opposite edge of the countertop.
Step 4. Repeat this step for all sections of the worktop, including the splash bar and islands
Part 2 of 3: Measuring Width
Step 1. Measure the width of the first section
Width is the distance from the edge of the countertop to its contact with the nearest wall. If the wall is covered with a splash-proof panel, the measurement can be taken from the side.
Typically the section is 70 cm wide and has a small (3.8 cm) overhang. Therefore, in your calculations, use a width of 73.8 cm if you plan to install standard countertops
Step 2. Repeat with the remaining sections
This is especially important if you are dealing with non-standard countertop widths and a kitchen island.
Step 3. If you are not sure about the width of the splash guard, take it by 10 cm
Make sure the entire column with the width of each of the sections is full.
Part 3 of 3: Calculating Surface Area
Step 1. Multiply the length by the width of each section to find its area
Step 2. Record the area of the section in column 3 of the plate
The area is recorded in square centimeters.
Step 3. Sum the values of all the cells in the third column
Step 4. By dividing the result by 10,000, you will find the surface area of your countertop in square meters
By multiplying this number by the retail value of the countertop material, you will get the value of your countertop from the material you have chosen. After you evaluate all the pros and cons, you can safely order a new tabletop!