Calculators

Free conversion tools for building and permit work.

Measurement conversions for Toronto building permits

Building permit drawings and City of Toronto forms are prepared in metric, while most homeowners, real estate listings and many building products still use imperial. These converters translate between the two systems for the measurements that come up most often in design and permit work.

Square metres to square feet

Floor areas on permit drawings are shown in square metres (m²), while listings and most people’s intuition use square feet (ft²). One square metre equals 10.7639 square feet. Enter the area either way and the other updates as you type.

Metres to feet and inches

Setbacks, ceiling heights and lot dimensions are drawn in metres but often discussed in feet and inches. One metre equals 3.28084 feet. The length converter splits the result into whole feet plus inches, the way it would be measured on site.

RSI to R-value (insulation)

The Ontario Building Code states insulation requirements in metric RSI, while insulation products in stores are labelled with imperial R-values. One RSI equals about 5.678 R. Convert before comparing a product label against the code requirement for your assembly.

PSI to MPa (pressure)

Structural and mechanical specifications may give pressures and strengths in megapascals (MPa) while gauges and equipment ratings use pounds per square inch (PSI). One MPa equals about 145.04 PSI.

Working on a building permit? Contact Toronto Building Permits for help with your application.