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How to read room dimensions?

Room dimensions are usually two numbers separated by an "×," such as 11'-0" × 13'-6". The first number is generally the room's width and the second its depth, but the order is not guaranteed. Check the plan's dimension lines to see exactly which walls or points define the measurement.

Read the notation carefully. 11'-0" means 11 feet, and 13'-6" means 13 feet, 6 inches. Multiply the two for the approximate area: 11 × 13.5 = 148.5 square feet.

A room with alcoves, bay windows, angled walls, or built-ins is not captured by a simple label. Use the detailed wall dimensions instead.

Determine whether the dimensions are interior finished, framing, or centerline dimensions. Finished-wall room dimensions are the most useful for furniture planning and flooring quantities. For flooring, add a waste factor rather than ordering only the calculated room area, especially with diagonal layouts, complex cuts, or several small spaces.