square foot

American  

[skwair foot] / ˈskwɛər ˈfʊt /

noun

plural

square feet

1. a unit of area measurement equal to a square measuring one foot on each side; 0.0929 square meters. ft 2 , sq. ft.

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Etymology

Origin of square foot

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

Close behind were Allentown, Penn., and Rochester, N.Y., where listing prices per square foot rose 9% and 8.2%, respectively.

From Barron's • Apr. 25, 2026

Measure W imposed a parcel tax of 2.5 cents a square foot of “impermeable space” in L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

In an industry that monetizes every square foot of space, it’s a costly gamble for regulation that may not come to pass.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

He also pointed to the relative value compared to nearby coastal markets, noting similar waterfront properties elsewhere often come at a significantly higher price per square foot.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

If the carpet covers the stain entirely, we know that the stain is smaller than the carpet; if the carpet is one square foot, then the stain must take up less than one square foot.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife