Difference Between Square Meters and Meters Squared

Square Meters vs Meters Squared

Meter is a unit of measurement of length in the SI system and when we require calculating the area of a square or rectangle, we use square meters as units. The confusion arises when we see meters squared written or spoken. People cannot make out the difference between square meters and meters squared and treat them as equal which is incorrect. This article will explain the difference between the two units so that readers may better understand the two concepts.

If a room is square in shape and is 2 meters in length as well as in breath, one can easily calculate its area with this formula

Area= Length x Breath

2 meters x 2 meters

4 square meters

Some people make the mistake of writing this area as meters squared which assumes altogether another meaning. In this example, if you write it as 4 meters squared, it means you wish to say 4 x4 which is 16 square meters and not 4 square meters. So it is a matter of incorrect usage of words that can make your answer totally wrong.

So if someone asks you the area of the room mentioned above, you can say that the area is 2 meters squared or you can say that the area is 4 square meters both of which are correct answers. The confusion arises as 1m x 1m= 1 square meters while 1 meter squared is also same. But in all other cases, square meters are entirely different than meters squared and hence one should be careful when using either of the two terms.