Property Value per Square Foot Calculator
Calculate the price per square foot or square meter for any property.
Compare properties and assess value with this simple tool.
How Property Value Estimation Works
Property value estimation uses the Sales Comparison Approach — the most common method for residential properties. It adjusts recent nearby sale prices for differences between those homes and the subject property.
Core formula:
Estimated Value = Comparable Sale Price ± Adjustments
Each physical difference between the comparable and the subject property is assigned a dollar adjustment:
- Better feature in comparable → subtract from its price
- Worse feature in comparable → add to its price
Common adjustment categories:
| Feature | Typical Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Square footage | $50–$150 per sq ft |
| Bedroom | $5,000–$15,000 each |
| Bathroom | $8,000–$20,000 each |
| Garage (per car) | $10,000–$25,000 |
| Pool | $20,000–$60,000 |
| Lot size (per acre) | varies widely |
Worked example:
Comparable sold for $380,000. It has one more bathroom (+$15,000 better than subject) and 150 fewer sq ft than subject (–$10,000 relative to subject, meaning subject is better by $10,000).
Adjusted value = $380,000 − $15,000 + $10,000 = $375,000
Price per square foot method:
Value = Comparable $/sq ft × Subject sq ft
If nearby homes sell at $195/sq ft and your home is 2,100 sq ft:
Estimated value = 195 × 2,100 = $409,500
Limitations:
- Automated Valuation Models (Zillow Zestimate) have median errors of 3–7% nationally, but errors of 15–25% in rural areas or unique properties
- Recent sales (within 3–6 months) are most reliable — older comps require time adjustments
- Appraisers use a weighted average of 3–5 comparables, not a single comp