The square meter (m²) is the SI base unit of area, equal to a square measuring one meter on each side, used worldwide for real estate, construction, and land surveying. Apartment sizes, office floor plans, and construction costs are almost universally quoted in square meters outside the United States. One square meter equals approximately 10.764 square feet.

The square foot (ft²) is an imperial area unit equal to a square measuring one foot on each side, the standard measurement for home sizes, office space, and rental properties in the United States. Real estate listings in America almost always quote living space in square feet, making it one of the most practically relevant area units. One square foot equals exactly 0.0929 square meters.