Measuring land or property dimensions is a common need for homeowners, property owners, construction, and farmers. Google Maps provides a simple tool to help you measure square footage directly from your desktop.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Open Google Maps
2. Find Your Location
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Enter an address or zoom in and pan to the property or area you would like to measure.
3. Activate the Measure Feature
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Right-click on the starting point of your area on the map.
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Select “Measure distance” from the context menu.
4. Outline the Area
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Click sequentially around the boundary of the area you want to measure. For each click, a straight line appears connecting the points.
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To close the shape, click on your starting point again.
5. View the Results
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Google Maps automatically displays both the total distance (perimeter) and the total area in square feet (ft²) and square meters (m²).
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The measurement box stays on the map, allowing you to review or adjust your boundary by dragging any vertex or adding new points.
Tip
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Take a screenshot of your map and measurement, or simply record the area value for your records.
Tips for Accurate Measurement
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Zoom in close for precise placement of boundary points.
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Use more points to outline irregular shapes.
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Measurements in Google Maps are most accurate for flat ground and can vary for uneven terrain.
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Google Maps works best for outdoor measurements; for indoor, use dedicated floor plan software.
Applications
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Land purchases and sales: Verify total plot size.
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Agricultural planning: Estimate fields for crops or equipment needs.
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Construction: Calculate square footage for building permits.
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Your Equipment Needs: Your property size indicates the total area, but you may only need to understand total area for your garden or maintaining a wooded area.
Additional Tips
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If you make a mistake, click a point and you can drag or remove it.
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The area calculation updates automatically as you change the outline.