How Much Do Countertops Cost? Price per Square Foot by Material

Most new kitchen countertops cost somewhere between $25 and $250 per square foot installed, depending almost entirely on the material. A typical 30 square foot kitchen lands anywhere from under $1,000 for laminate to $7,500 or more for premium natural stone. This guide breaks down what each material costs, what is included in those prices, and how to measure so your estimate is realistic.

Countertop cost per square foot by material

The ranges below are installed prices, meaning they include the slab or material, fabrication, and standard installation. The last column shows what that works out to for a 30 square foot kitchen, a common size for a mid-sized layout.

These are national ranges. Your local price depends on your region, the fabricator, and the specific slab you pick. Within a material, the spread is wide: entry-level granite and quartz sit at the bottom of their ranges, while rare or exotic slabs (for example Calacatta marble, or unusual granite colors) can cost well above the top of the range shown.

Why the same material can cost so differently

Two quartz kitchens can differ in price by a factor of two or three. The usual reasons:

• Slab grade. Manufacturers price by color and pattern. Simple solid colors cost less than veined or large-pattern designs.
• Fabrication complexity. Every seam, sink cutout, cooktop cutout, and corner adds labor. A single straight run is far cheaper to fabricate than an L-shape with an island.
• Edge profile. A standard eased edge is included in base pricing. Decorative profiles such as bullnose, ogee, and waterfall edges typically add 15–35% to fabrication cost. Our calculator applies a 25% mid-point when you select a premium edge, so a $1,500–$4,500 quartz estimate becomes $1,875–$5,625.
• Tear-out and access. Removing old counters, difficult access, or upper floors can add labor.

How to measure your countertops

Measure the length of each countertop run and multiply by its depth. A standard base cabinet run is about 25.5 inches deep, or roughly 2.1 feet. A 12-foot run at that depth is about 25.5 square feet. Add every section together, including an island if you have one: a 3 by 5 foot island adds 15 square feet. Do not subtract the sink or cooktop opening, since the cutout is part of the fabrication and the material is usually still charged for the full piece.

A typical kitchen runs 25–40 square feet of countertop. If you are between the two, use the larger number when budgeting, since fabricators also charge for waste around seams and cutouts.

Ways to lower the cost

• Choose a lower slab grade or a simple color. The difference between entry-level and premium quartz is often larger than the difference between quartz and granite.
• Keep the layout simple. Fewer seams and cutouts mean less fabrication time.
• Look at remnants. For a small kitchen, an island, or a bathroom, a fabricator's leftover slab can cost much less than a full slab.
• Stay with a standard edge unless the profile really matters to you.
• Compare quotes. Getting two or three quotes from local fabricators, using the same measurements and material, is the most reliable way to find a fair price.

What to ask for in a quote

Ask whether the price is per square foot or a fixed total, and whether it includes templating, delivery, sink and cooktop cutouts, edge profile, backsplash, and removal of your existing counters. Confirm which slab you are pricing and whether you can see it in person before it is cut.

Sources

• SlabWise — Countertop prices by material (2026)