Buying leather hides I'm not really sure how the square footage is calculated, I would assume a laser. I have had good luck with Apex, Relicate, Moore & Giles and a few others. The one thing I have learned is pay the money for a quality Hyde. You will get a better product with less flaws to cut around and the workability of it is really noticeable when you start wrapping parts. I have really struggled with low price hydes, and yes there is a difference. Also, a lot of it will end up on the cutting room floor so plan accordingly.