How to Measure Walls & Ceilings in Math

Math is one subject that most students grumble about in school, but it's actually a skill that's used often outside of the classroom. When determining the measurements of the walls or ceiling in your home, for example, you need to know some basic math to get the correct numbers.

Measuring tape
Ladder or step stool
Paper
Pencil or pen

Instructions

- 1
  Place your measuring tape at one end of the wall or ceiling. Have someone hold the tape in place at your starting point. If you're measuring a ceiling, you may need to stand on a ladder or step stool to reach the area.
- 2
  Pull the measuring tape horizontally across the wall or ceiling to the other end. Note the number on the measuring tape and write it down on a piece of paper. This number is the width of your ceiling or wall.
- 3
  Place your measuring tape at the top of the wall or the outside corner of the ceiling. Have another person hold the measuring tape in place.
- 4
  Pull the measuring tape down vertically to the end of the wall or the other side of the ceiling. Note the number on the measuring tape.
- 5
  Write down the measurement on a piece of paper. This number is your wall or ceiling's length.
- 6
  Multiply the width measurement by the length measurement, if you need to determine the area of the wall or ceiling. For example, if you got 8 feet for the length and 10 feet for the width, multiply 8 by 10 to calculate the total area: 8 x 10 = 180.

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