Are you curious about how big 500 square feet is and what it represents in the real world?
Whether you’re a homeowner, a designer, or simply someone seeking a tangible perspective on space, understanding the actual size of 500 square feet is invaluable.
In this article, we’ll offer you 13 vivid comparisons to help you visualize the magnitude of this area.
From one-car garages to the everyday 20 ft shipping containers, we’ll explore relatable references to bring 500 square feet to life.
Read: How Big is 1000 Square Feet? 13 Familiar Items
Read on to find the most relatable way to visualize that area.
13 Common Comparisons For 500 Square Feet
500 square feet is equivalent to approximately 47 square meters.
To grasp that size in different contexts, whether for residential spaces, commercial areas, or recreational activities, compare it to the following items.
1. 2 One-car Garages
Typically, the size and dimensions of a one-car garage depend on the homeowner’s needs, the size of the car, and the available space on the property.
However, a common dimension is about 12 feet wide by 20 feet deep. This size allows enough space for a standard-sized car and additional storage or workspace.
Therefore, imagine two typical one-car garages side by side. They’re only 20 square feet shy of 500 square feet.
2. 3 Standard Parallel Parking Spaces
Car parking space dimensions and sizes can vary based on local regulations, building codes, and the specific needs of the parking facility.
That said, a standard parallel parking is about 9 feet by 18 feet in many countries, including the United States, referring to the general guidelines and standards.
That means four standard car parking spaces occupy an area of 486 square feet – close enough.
3. 5 Midsize Sedans
Midsize sedans are a popular category of cars known for their balance of comfort, performance, and practicality.
They’re typically smaller than full-size sedans but larger than compact cars, measuring approximately 16 feet long and 6 feet wide.
Hence, you can picture the area five midsize sedans would occupy to appreciate the significance of 500 square feet. It’s only 20 square feet shy of the mark.
Some popular midsize sedan models flirting with that size include the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, and Nissan Altima.
4. 25 Standard Front Doors
Front door sizes vary widely based on architectural styles, regional preferences, and individual homeowner choices.
However, there are standard measurements most front doors follow. Most are usually about 80 inches long and 36 inches wide, covering an area of 2,880 square inches (20 square feet).
So, in a 500-square-foot space, you can lay as many as 25 standard front doors side by side.
5. 15 Queen-size Mattresses
Queen-size mattresses are an excellent way to understand the scale of 500 square feet. They are one of the most popular mattress sizes and are known for their versatile comfort and space, so chances are you have one at home.
A standard queen-size mattress measures 60 inches in width and 80 inches in length, taking space of 4,800 square inches (about 33.33 feet squared. This size provides ample space for most individuals and couples to sleep comfortably.
Now, visualize a sleeping area that as many as 15 queen-size mattresses can provide. That’s how big 500 sq ft is.
6. 12 King-sized Mattresses
Although king-size mattresses measure 80 inches long, like queen-size mattresses, they’re usually wider, at 76 inches. Hence, they provide more space of 6,080 square inches (about 42 square feet) for couples.
So, you would need approximately 12 king-sized mattresses to cover an area of 500 square feet.
7. 25 Twin-size Mattresses
Also known as single mattresses, twin-size mattresses are one of the most common mattress sizes. They are suitable for children, teenagers, or single adults.
A standard twin-size mattress measures 38 inches in width and 75 inches in length, covering 2,850 square inches (about 20 square feet).
So, picture as many as 25 twin-size mattresses lying side by side to understand the scale of 500 square feet.
8. A Quarter Tennis Court
Using a tennis court as a reference can provide a general sense of the size of 500 sq ft in a sport-related context.
As specified by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), a singles tennis court is 78 ft long and 27 ft wide, covering an area of 2,106 square feet.
Comparing this to 500 sq ft, you can imagine a quarter of the court. That would be equivalent to a space starting from the net and extending about halfway to the baseline and the width of the court.
9. 24 Bar-size Pool Tables
Pool tables come in various sizes and dimensions to accommodate different playing preferences and room sizes.
Bar-size pool tables are universally known, making them an excellent benchmark for many areas, including 500 square feet.
They have a playing surface of about 78 inches by 39 inches, meaning the total playing area is 3,042 square inches (21 sq ft).
Therefore, imagine a venue of 24 bar-size pool tables to get an impression of 500 square feet.
10. 10 Table Tennis Tables
The dimensions of table tennis tables are regulated by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) to ensure consistency in table tennis across various competitions and levels of play.
They’re all about 2.8 meters long and 1.6 meters tall, occupying 4.48 meters squared (approximately 48 square feet).
So, you can imagine the area ten table tennis tables would cover to get a sense of 500 square feet.
11. 2 & ½ Soccer Goals
The full-size goals are used in senior and most junior-level matches.
They’re all 7.32 meters wide and 2.44 meters high, covering a space of 17 meters squared (approximately 193 square feet), as defined by soccer governing bodies, including FIFA and UEFA.
That means 500 sq ft is comparable to the space two-and-a-half full-size soccer would occupy.
12. A Standard Studio Apartment
Generally, a studio apartment is a compact, single-room living space with combined living areas, kitchens, and bedrooms.
Their sizes vary, but most fall between 400 and 600 square feet. That’s the standard size, as it’s spacious enough for a designated kitchen area, a separate bathroom, and a living/sleeping space.
Read: 8 Common Things That Are 200 Square Feet Big (With Pictures)
13. 3 & ½ 20 Ft Shipping Containers
20 ft shipping containers are the most common in many countries, including the United States. Besides transporting goods by sea, rail, or road, they are repurposed for various purposes, such as storage units, offices, or homes.
These containers are regulated by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ensuring they’re all 5.9 meters long and 2.35 meters wide, covering a space of 14 M^2 (149 square feet).
So, you can think of 500 square feet as an area three and a half times as big as a 20 ft shipping container.
