Measure your countertops and estimate what they will cost. List each section with its length and depth, add the backsplash height and sink or cooktop cutouts, and compare installed prices for laminate, quartz, granite and other materials.
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Countertop sections
Units
For an L or U shape, measure one leg to the wall corner and the other legs minus the depth, so the corner is counted once. Names with island, peninsula or bar get no backsplash.
Backsplash and cutouts
in
4 in is a standard stone splash; 0 for none; full height to the cabinets is about 18 in.
in
Leave empty to use all wall sections.
$
Stone shops often charge per cutout; laminate is usually less.
%
Extra for seams, slab layout and offcuts.
Material
$/sq ft
$/sq ft
Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the Countertop Calculator
List each section as a name, then length × depth, one per line. For L and U shapes, count each corner only once.
Set the backsplash height, or 0 for none. Sections named island, peninsula or bar get no backsplash.
Enter cutouts and overage: number of sinks and cooktops, the fee per cutout and an allowance for seams.
Pick a material or enter your own price per square foot.
Read the square footage and cost, then compare all materials in the table.
How to measure countertops
Measure each run along the back wall, in inches, from end to end.
Measure the depth from the wall to the front edge, including the overhang (usually 25 to 25.5 in for kitchens).
Split L and U shapes into rectangles: one leg goes into the corner, the other leg's length is its full length minus the first leg's depth.
Area = length × depth ÷ 144 for each section, then add them. Backsplash area = length × height ÷ 144.
Example L shape: long leg 132 × 25.5 in = 23.38 sq ft; short leg 96 in measured to the wall becomes 96 − 25.5 = 70.5 × 25.5 = 12.48 sq ft. Total 35.86 sq ft, plus a 4 in backsplash along 202.5 in = 5.63 sq ft.
Countertop materials compared
Material
Rough installed price / sq ft
Strengths
Watch out for
Laminate
$20–$50
Lowest cost, many patterns
Not heat-proof; seams and edges can swell if wet
Butcher block
$40–$100
Warm look, can be sanded
Needs oiling; can scorch and dent
Solid surface
$50–$120
Seamless, repairable, integral sinks
Scratches and heat marks
Quartz
$60–$150
Non-porous, consistent color, no sealing
Can discolor with direct heat or strong UV
Granite
$50–$150
Heat- and scratch-resistant, unique slabs
Usually needs periodic sealing
Marble
$75–$200
Classic veining, great for baking
Etches with acids, stains
Quartzite
$80–$200
Very hard, marble-like look
Price; quality varies, needs sealing
Prices are rough 2025–2026 US ranges for fabricated and installed tops and vary widely by region, slab grade, thickness, edge profile and job size. Many shops also have a minimum job charge.
Tips before you order
Template first: stone fabricators measure the installed cabinets themselves; use this estimate for budgeting and comparing quotes.
Ask what is included: removal of old tops, sink cutouts, faucet holes, edge profiles, sealing and backsplash.
Plan seams away from sinks and cooktops, and ask to see the seam layout on your slabs.
Overhangs over about 10–12 in for seating usually need supports or brackets, depending on the material and thickness.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate countertop square footage?
Multiply each section's length by its depth in inches and divide by 144. A 120 × 25.5 in run is 3,060 sq in, or 21.25 sq ft. Add the sections together, then add the backsplash (length × height ÷ 144).
How do I measure an L-shaped countertop?
Measure the first leg along the wall all the way into the corner. Measure the second leg from the end to the front edge of the first leg, which is its full length minus the depth of the first leg. That way the corner square is counted only once. A U shape works the same way with three sections.
What is the standard countertop depth?
Kitchen base cabinets are usually 24 in deep, and countertops are typically about 25 to 25.5 in deep to overhang the doors. Bathroom vanities are commonly 21 to 22 in deep, and islands vary, often 36 to 42 in or more with seating.
How much do quartz and granite countertops cost?
As a rough 2025–2026 US guide, quartz is often around $60 to $150 per sq ft installed and granite around $50 to $150, depending on the stone grade, edge profile, thickness and region. Laminate is usually much cheaper, often around $20 to $50. Use fabricator quotes for your exact price.
Should I include the backsplash in the square footage?
Yes, if it will be made from the same material. A standard 4 in stone backsplash adds about 1/3 sq ft per linear foot. A full-height backsplash is often done in tile instead and priced separately.
Why add overage to countertops?
Stone comes in slabs of fixed size, often around 120 × 55 in for standard quartz, so seams, vein matching and offcuts mean you pay for more material than the finished area. An overage of 10 to 20% is common for stone; laminate and butcher block usually need less.
Do cutouts reduce the square footage?
No. Fabricators price the full countertop area, and sink and cooktop cutouts usually add a fee instead of reducing the cost. Undermount sink cutouts with polished edges typically cost more than drop-in cutouts.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.