Square Meters
Abbreviation/Symbol:
m²
sq m
Worldwide use:
Square meters, also known as square metres or simply m², are a widely used unit of measurement for area around the world. This metric unit is the standard for measuring land, floor space, and other two-dimensional surfaces in many countries. In Europe, square meters are the primary unit of measurement for real estate transactions, construction projects, and urban planning. They are used to determine the size of residential and commercial properties, as well as to calculate building permits and zoning regulations. Similarly, in many Asian countries, square meters are the standard unit for measuring land and property, facilitating international property transactions and investment.
Definition:
The square meter is a unit of measurement commonly used to quantify area in the metric system. It is defined as the area of a square with sides that measure one meter in length. The square meter is abbreviated as "m²" or simply "sq m".
Origin:
The origin of the square meter as a unit of measurement can be traced back to the French Revolution in the late 18th century. During this time, there was a need to establish a standardized system of measurement that would be universally accepted and easily understood.
This group, known as the French Academy of Sciences, proposed a decimal-based system of measurement called the metric system. The metric system was designed to be based on natural constants and easily divisible by powers of ten. As part of this system, the square meter was introduced as the unit of measurement for area.
Common references:
Total area of the surface of the earth = 5.1 trillion m²
Total area of water on surface of the earth = 3.61 trillion sq m
Usage context:
Square meters (m²) is a widely used unit of measurement in various fields and contexts. It is primarily used to measure area, which refers to the amount of space occupied by a two-dimensional object or surface. The usage of square meters is prevalent in the fields of architecture, construction, real estate, interior design, and landscaping, among others. In architecture and construction, square meters are used to determine the size and dimensions of buildings, rooms, and outdoor spaces.
Architects and engineers rely on square meters to calculate the floor area, wall space, and roof coverage of a structure. This information is crucial for designing and planning the layout of a building, as well as estimating construction costs. Real estate professionals also utilize square meters to describe the size and value of properties. Whether it's a residential house, commercial office space, or a piece of land, the area in square meters provides potential buyers or renters with a clear understanding of the available space. Additionally, square meters play a significant role in determining property prices, as larger areas generally command higher values. Interior designers and decorators use square meters to assess the dimensions of a room and plan the placement of furniture, fixtures, and decorative elements.