Numbers: Square feet/feet square I

September 28, 2006: Issue 158

Be careful where you put the word “square” when giving dimensions. There’s a difference between “square feet” and “feet square.”

“Square feet” refers to the total area of a space, or its length times its width. “Feet square” refers to the length of each individual side.

A 10×10-foot room is 10 feet square, but 100 square feet.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Our satellite in box has moved. It’s in the cubicle next to Heather Knowles’ office. (And if you haven’t found the CEs’ new home, we’re at the south end of the floor, just off the skywalk.)

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