Measure & draw
How to measure a room for a floor plan
Sketch the room first, measure the clear internal wall lengths, then record every opening from the same reference corner. Check the segments against the full wall before you start drawing.
Draw your measured room ↗Use the editor on a computer. Editing is free; Google sign-in is required for PNG, PDF and DXF exports.
Make a measurement sheet before opening the editor
Take a tape measure, paper and a pencil. Label the corners A, B, C and D clockwise, adding more letters for alcoves. A rough sketch is enough: its job is to keep each number attached to the right wall. Photograph awkward details for your own reference, but keep the measured numbers on the sheet.
Choose one unit and write it at the top. Millimetres avoid decimal conversions when entering dimensions in FloorDraft. Measure the inside faces of the room, and record projecting skirting boards separately where they reduce the space available to furniture. Do not mix inside distances with outside building dimensions.
Use this worksheet for each wall
| Record | Example for wall AB | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Full internal wall length | 4200 mm | Cross-checks the smaller segments |
| Corner A to first opening | 600 mm | Locates the opening |
| Opening width | 900 mm | Defines the gap, not the door trim |
| Opening to corner B | 2700 mm | Completes the chain |
| Fixed projection | Radiator: 140 mm deep | Reduces usable floor space |
| Door movement | Hinge at A side; opens into room | Reserves the swing area |
Close the loop before you trust the measurements
For the example wall, 600 + 900 + 2700 = 4200 mm. If your segments add to 4260 mm, remeasure instead of spreading the discrepancy across the drawing. Check whether a frame edge, wall face or trim edge changed between measurements.
For an apparently rectangular room, compare opposite sides and measure both diagonals when possible. Different diagonals are a reason to investigate the shape, not proof that one particular corner is wrong. Keep genuine angled walls rather than forcing every corner square.
Transfer the room to FloorDraft
A 2D layout does not record every vertical constraint. Note ceiling slopes, windowsills and tall furniture separately before deciding whether an item fits.
- Open the editor on a computer and choose a blank design.
- Draw the wall outline and use the wall properties to adjust it. Wall lengths follow the wall reference line; check the internal face-to-face distances against your room measurements.
- Place doors and windows, checking the offset from your reference corner and the swing direction.
- Add furniture using its outer width and depth. Include handles, bed frames and other projections.
- Save a design backup, and keep the measurement sheet alongside it.
Questions
Can I use the dimensions on a property listing?
Use them as a starting reference. Remeasure the distances that decide furniture fit, since listing drawings may be approximate or resized.
Should I measure a window height?
Yes when planning furniture below it. Record sill height and opening movement separately; a top-down outline alone will not show them.
References
Use the example dimensions to follow the calculations, then repeat them with your own measurements. The examples are not building standards.