It’s decided, you’re going to put parquet in your living room or change your wallpaper. You have chosen the color and appearance and are ready to place the order. However, you hesitate because you do not know the surface to be transformed. Tip Mania has an ultra-simple method to help you, even if you’ve never liked math. Prepare your notepad, your pencil, your tape measure and your calculator! Here’s how to convert m to m² (and vice versa).
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A METER AND A SQUARE METER?
Before embarking on your calculations, learn to recognize the different elements of measurement.
THE LINEAR METER
A linear meter is simply a length measured in meters. For example, if your room is 3m wide from end to end, then your room is 3 linear meters wide.
In practice, the abbreviation of the linear meter is Ml. It is found on the coating packages sold in rolls such as linoleum or carpet.
THE SQUARE METER
The square meter is different. It is a unit of account used to measure an area . What is a surface? It is a flat expanse, for example the floor of your living room.
CONVERT M TO M² AND VICE VERSA: THE METHOD
Now that you know the difference between linear meters and square meters, it’s time to do some math. Rest assured: the formula is simple.
This is a mandatory step, because you cannot convert m to m² directly. These are 2 distinct units of measurement and this would amount, for example, to trying to convert kilometers into speed…
CALCULATE M IN M²
Take your tape measure and measure the length then the width of your room. Once this step has been completed, you will apply the mathematical formula that allows you to calculate an area.
You may remember a few rules you learned in school, but here’s a refresher to refresh your knowledge:
- your room is square or rectangular. In this case, multiply the length by the width of your room to obtain the surface in m² (L x W);
- your room is triangular . Multiply the base by the height and divide everything by 2 (base x height/2).
If your room has different spaces, then proceed in segments. To do this, calculate the area of each part of your room according to the applicable geometric model and add the results.
CALCULATE M² IN M
You now know how to calculate m², but how do you convert an area into linear meters? For this, you must absolutely know one of the two measurements of your room, it doesn’t matter which one.
Here’s how to do it: Divide the area by the width of your room (or the length if you have that measurement) and you’ll get the other measurement in meters. It is not more complicated!
You now know how to calculate an area in m² and find a measurement in linear meters. You can choose flooring or wallpaper with peace of mind.
Aslo read: How To Convert M² To M³ And Vice Versa?