Using PlanSnapper · 3 min read

How to Measure a Multi-Story Home in PlanSnapper

PlanSnapper measures one floor at a time. For a multi-story home, you upload each level separately, measure each one, and add the results together. Here is how to do it right.

The basic workflow

• Get a separate floor plan image for each level (main floor, upper floor, etc.)
• Upload the first level to PlanSnapper, set the scale, and record the square footage
• Upload the second level, set the scale again, and record that square footage
• Add both numbers together for the total GLA

If your floor plan software shows all levels on one image, crop or separate them before uploading. PlanSnapper works with one level per image.

Keeping scale consistent across levels

Each level gets its own scale step. If the floor plans were exported from the same source (CubiCasa, Matterport, iGUIDE), they are already drawn to the same scale, so any known wall measurement will work for both.

The most reliable approach: use an exterior wall that is the same length on both levels. Many two-story homes have a wall that runs the full height of the building. That exterior wall dimension is the same on the first and second floor plans. Use it for scale on both uploads.

• Use the same known wall measurement for all levels when possible
• If the upper floor is smaller (like a half-story), find the longest exterior wall on that level
• Room dimensions from the floor plan notes also work if they are labeled

What counts as GLA on each level

GLA (gross living area) is above-grade finished space that meets ANSI Z765 ceiling height requirements. That means at least 7 feet of ceiling height over at least 50% of the area.

• Main floor above grade: counts as GLA
• Second floor above grade: counts as GLA if finished and meeting ceiling height
• Basement (below grade): does not count as GLA regardless of how finished it is
• Walkout basement: the below-grade portion is excluded from GLA; only the above-grade portion may qualify
• Attic space: only counts if it is finished and meets ceiling height requirements

PlanSnapper measures the perimeter you define. You control which levels you measure and which you exclude. Upload only the levels that qualify as GLA for your purpose.

Learn more

For a deeper walkthrough of multi-story measurement including examples, see our guide: How to Measure a Multi-Story Home Square Footage.