Carpet vs Built-up Area Calculator
Decode real estate jargon! Convert between carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area. Find out how much usable space you're actually getting and what you're paying for.
This is your carpet area - the space you can actually use!
💰 Price Breakdown
🧾 What You're Paying For
📋 RERA Compliance Check
- Ask builder to provide carpet area based pricing
- Request RERA registration number for the project
📊 Area Breakdown
📈 Cost Distribution
📅 Floor Plan Visualization
⚖ Loading Factor Impact
See how different loading factors affect your carpet area and effective price
How to Use the Carpet vs Built-up Area Calculator
- Select Known Area Type: Choose whether the builder has given you carpet area, built-up area, or super built-up area. Most builders quote super built-up area.
- Enter the Area Value: Input the area in square feet as quoted by the builder or mentioned in the brochure.
- Choose Property Type: Select apartment, villa, or penthouse. This affects wall thickness and balcony calculations.
- Adjust Loading Factor: This is typically 25-35% for standard builders. Premium builders have lower loading (20-30%), while budget builders may have higher (30-45%).
- Set Price per Sq Ft: Enter the rate quoted by the builder. The calculator will show you the real cost per usable square foot.
- Review Results: See all three area types, price breakdown, and understand what percentage of your money goes to usable space vs common areas.
Carpet Area vs Built-up Area Formulas
Understanding the Three Area Types:
Carpet Area = Usable area inside walls (excludes walls, balconies)
Built-up Area = Carpet Area + Wall Thickness + Balcony Area
Super Built-up Area = Built-up Area + Proportionate Common Areas
Loading Factor = ((Super Built-up - Carpet) / Carpet) x 100
Typical Ratios:
- Built-up is typically 15-20% more than carpet area
- Super built-up is typically 25-45% more than carpet area
- Premium builders: 20-30% loading factor
- Standard builders: 25-35% loading factor
- Budget builders: 30-45% loading factor
Example Calculation:
If Super Built-up = 1000 sq ft and Loading Factor = 30%
Carpet Area = 1000 / 1.30 = 769 sq ft
You're paying for 1000 sq ft but can only use 769 sq ft!
Why Understanding Carpet Area Matters
The Real Estate Area Confusion
One of the biggest sources of confusion for home buyers in India is understanding the difference between carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area. Builders often quote the largest number (super built-up) to make their properties seem more spacious, while the actual usable space is significantly less.
What is Carpet Area?
Carpet area is the actual usable floor space inside your apartment - the area where you can literally lay a carpet. It excludes:
- Wall thickness (internal and external)
- Balconies and verandas
- Utility ducts and shafts
- Common areas like lobbies and staircases
What is Built-up Area?
Built-up area includes your carpet area plus:
- Thickness of internal and external walls
- Balconies and terraces
- Flower beds and utility areas
What is Super Built-up Area?
Super built-up area (also called saleable area) is the most inflated figure. It includes:
- Your built-up area
- Proportionate share of common areas (lobbies, lifts, stairs)
- Club house and amenity areas (sometimes)
- Security room, electrical room, etc.
What is Loading Factor?
Loading factor is the percentage difference between super built-up area and carpet area. It represents how much "extra" you're paying for beyond your usable space.
Lower loading factor = Better value for money
RERA and Carpet Area
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) mandates that:
- Builders must sell properties based on carpet area, not super built-up
- Carpet area must be clearly mentioned in all agreements
- Price per sq ft should be calculated on carpet area
- Common areas must be disclosed separately
Always ask for RERA registration number and verify the carpet area mentioned in the agreement matches what the builder promises.