Calculating the area of asbestos material

If you’re confused by the difference between square metres and linear metres don’t worry, you’re not alone. Unless you work in a trade, you may not have much of a need to perform these calculations on a regular basis. When it comes to asbestos removal it is useful to know how to work out square and linear metres for quotation purposes. Asbestos roofing and wall sheeting is usually calculated as square metres whilst fencing can be quoted on linear metres.

How to calculate square metres (m²)

Step 1 – Measure the length and width of the asbestos area in question in metres

Step 2 – Multiply the length by the width and you have your answer

How to calculate linear metres (lm)

Step 1 – Measure the length of the asbestos area in metres – don’t worry about any other dimensions

Step 2 – No calculations are required, linear metres is simply the length of the area in question