Google Maps Square Feet Calculator: Measure Any Area

Google Maps does not have a built-in square feet calculator, but you can measure the area of any location on the map using its free “Measure distance” tool, which displays results in square feet (and other units). This article explains how to use that tool, what it can and cannot do, and how it compares to dedicated area calculators.

Formula

The area of a rectangle is:

Area (sq ft) = Length (m) × Width (m) × 10.7639

Where:

• Length (d) – one side of the rectangle, in meters (m).
• Width (w) – the adjacent side, in meters (m).
• 10.7639 – conversion factor from square meters to square feet (1 m² = 10.7639 ft²).

If you measure in feet directly, omit the conversion factor. If you measure in yards, multiply by 9 (1 yd² = 9 ft²).

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator above:

1. Length = 100 m, Width = 50 m.
2. Area in square meters = 100 × 50 = 5,000 m².
3. Convert to square feet: 5,000 × 10.7639 = 53,819.5 sq ft.

The calculator shows 53,819.50 sq ft (and 5,000.00 sq m).

How to Measure Square Feet in Google Maps

Google Maps (desktop version) includes a measurement tool that works for any location worldwide. Here are the exact steps:

1. Open Google Maps in a web browser (not the mobile app – the app lacks the area measurement feature).
2. Right-click on the starting point of your area. A context menu appears.
3. Click “Measure distance”. A small pop-up appears at the bottom of the screen.
4. Click along the perimeter of the area you want to measure. Each click adds a point, and a line connects them.
5. To close the shape, click on the first point (or double-click). The pop-up now shows the total area in square feet (and square meters, acres, etc.).

You can drag any point to adjust the shape, and the area updates in real time. The tool also shows the total distance (perimeter) in miles or kilometers.

What the Tool Measures (and What It Doesn’t)

The Google Maps measurement tool calculates the planar area of a shape on the map – that is, the area of the ground as seen from above, ignoring slopes and elevation changes. This is perfect for:

• Lawns, gardens, or fields
• Building footprints (from satellite view)
• Property lots (approximate, not legally binding)
• Construction sites or parking lots

It does not account for:

• Sloped terrain (a hillside has more surface area than its flat projection)
• Irregular shapes with curves – you approximate curves with straight segments
• Underground structures or floors above ground level

For a sloped roof or a hilly plot, you would need a tool that uses elevation data (e.g., Google Earth Pro’s 3D measurement).

Comparing Google Maps to Other Area Calculators

Google Maps is free, fast, and requires no installation, but it has limitations. Here’s how it stacks up against alternatives:

Tool	Strengths	Weaknesses
Google Maps (browser)	Free, worldwide, no sign-up, measures any shape	No mobile app support, no elevation, approximate
Google Earth Pro	3D terrain measurement, historical imagery, more precise	Requires desktop software download
Dedicated area calculators (e.g., on this site)	Simple for rectangles, gives exact formula, works offline	You must manually input dimensions
GPS / surveyor tools	Highest accuracy, legally acceptable	Expensive, requires training

For most everyday purposes – like estimating the size of a backyard or a plot for a fence – Google Maps is accurate to within a few percent. For legal property boundaries, always consult a licensed surveyor.

Common Mistakes and Accuracy Tips

Getting the most accurate area from Google Maps requires attention to a few details:

• Zoom in – The closer you zoom, the more precisely you can place points. Use satellite view to see actual boundaries.
• Use enough points – For curves, place points every few meters. Too few points will underestimate the area.
• Check the units – The pop-up shows area in square feet by default, but you can click the unit to switch to acres or square meters. Make sure you read the correct one.
• Don’t confuse distance with area – The tool shows both total distance (perimeter) and area. The area is labeled clearly, but it’s easy to misread.
• Account for map projection distortion – At high latitudes (e.g., Alaska, northern Europe), the Web Mercator projection stretches distances. Google Maps compensates for this in the measurement tool, so results are accurate, but be aware that the visual shape may look different from reality.

If you measure a rectangular area, you can also use the simple formula Length × Width and the calculator at the top of this page to double-check the Google Maps result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I measure square feet on the Google Maps mobile app?

No, the mobile app (iOS and Android) does not have the “Measure distance” tool as of this writing. You can use the desktop browser version on a computer, or use a third-party app that uses Google Maps data. Some mobile browsers might work if you request the desktop site, but the experience is clunky.

Is the area measurement accurate enough for property lines?

No. Google Maps is based on satellite imagery and public map data, not on a legal survey. The boundaries you see may be offset by several feet, and the measurement tool does not account for easements, setbacks, or other legal details. Always hire a professional land surveyor for legal purposes.

How do I measure a curved area like a circular garden?

Place multiple points along the curve – the more points, the closer the approximation. For a perfect circle, you could measure the diameter and use the formula π × (radius)², but that’s not directly available in Google Maps. The measurement tool will give you a close estimate if you use enough points.

Can I save my measurements in Google Maps?

No, the measurement tool does not save shapes. You can take a screenshot or write down the area. For a more permanent solution, export the coordinates to a GIS tool like QGIS (free) or Google Earth Pro.

What units does Google Maps show for area?

By default, it shows square feet and square meters. You can click the unit label to cycle through acres, hectares, square miles, and square kilometers. The choice is saved for the session.

Why does my area look different from the satellite image?

Satellite images are taken at an angle and may be slightly offset. Also, the map uses a projection that distorts shapes at high latitudes. The measurement tool corrects for projection, but the visual overlay can still appear misaligned. Use the most recent imagery and zoom in to reduce this effect.

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in d | Distance | m | 100 | 0
in w | Width | m | 50 | 0
out area | Area | sq ft | d * w * 10.7639 | 2
out area_m | Area | sq m | d * w | 2