Commercial flooring guide

Cost per square foot vs cost per square metre

Commercial flooring is quoted in different units around the world. Converting the area correctly is simple; comparing scope is harder.

sq ft

Editorial review: August 11, 2026 · Megan R. Halford

Area conversion

One square metre is about 10.764 square feet. One square foot is about 0.0929 square metres.

Rate conversion

A rate expressed per square metre will look numerically much larger than the same economic rate per square foot because the area unit is larger.

Scope consistency

Before comparing rates, confirm whether removal, preparation, adhesive, base, transitions, freight, tax and furniture moving are included.

Use one basis

Convert all bids to the same area and same scope before deciding which is cheaper.

Commercial flooring decisions depend on the actual substrate, moisture conditions, traffic, cleaning regime, accessibility requirements, fire/building rules, manufacturer instructions and local code. This site is for planning and comparison, not installation instructions.