Understanding Carpet Area, Built-up Area and Super-built up Area
When you're buying a home or investing in real estate, you’ll often come across terms like carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area. But what do they actually mean? These aren't just technical details – they directly impact how much space you're getting, how much you pay per square foot, and the value of your investment. Understanding these differences is essential for making informed real estate decisions.
In this blog, we explain everything you need to know, including how to calculate each type of area, how RERA defines carpet area, and what buyers should always consider before closing a deal.
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What is a Carpet Area?
Carpet area is the net usable floor area inside the apartment. It's the area where you can actually lay a carpet-meaning, the space available for living. This is the space you will use on a daily basis.
Includes: Living room, bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, and internal partition walls.
Excludes: External walls, balconies, terraces, and common areas.
Example: If a 2BHK apartment has a:
- living room (200 sq. ft.),
- bedroom 1 (150 sq. ft.),
- bedroom 2 (130 sq. ft.),
- kitchen (80 sq. ft.), and
- two bathrooms (40 sq. ft. each),
The total carpet area would be= 200 + 150 + 130 + 80 + 80 = 640 sq. ft.
What is RERA Carpet Area?
RERA carpet area is defined under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. It includes the net usable area within the apartment, including the area covered by internal partition walls but excluding external walls, balconies, verandas, and service shafts.
Example: Using the same 2BHK apartment above,
If internal partition walls occupy 60 sq. ft., the RERA carpet area becomes 640 + 60 = 700 sq. ft.
Difference Between Carpet Area & RERA Carpet Area
How to Calculate Carpet Area & RERA Carpet Area
- Carpet Area Formula: Sum of all usable internal room areas.
- RERA Carpet Area Formula: Carpet area + area of internal partition walls.
What is Built-up Area?
Built-up area includes the carpet area plus the thickness of internal and external walls, and other usable spaces like balconies and utility areas.
Formula: Built-up Area = Carpet Area + Wall Thickness + Balcony/Utility Area
Example:
If your carpet area is 700 sq. ft.,
wall thickness adds 100 sq. ft.,
and balconies/utilities are 100 sq. ft.,
Your built-up area would be: 700 + 100 + 100 = 900 sq. ft.
How to Calculate Built-up Area
Measure:
- Internal room dimensions (for carpet area).
- Wall thickness.
- Balcony and utility area. Add all these to get the built-up area.
Carpet Area vs Built-up Area
What is Super Built-up Area?
Super built-up area, often referred to as the 'saleable area,' is the total area that includes the built-up area plus a proportionate share of common amenities in a residential project. This includes lobbies, staircases, elevators, corridors, clubhouse, and sometimes even garden areas. Builders typically use the super built-up area to quote the price per square foot, making it important for buyers to understand what they’re actually paying for.
How to Calculate Super Built-up Area
Super Built-up area = Built-up area + Proportionate share of common areas (like lobby, staircase, lift, gym, clubhouse, etc.)
Example: If the built-up area is 900 sq. ft., and the builder adds a 30% loading for common areas, the super built-up area is: 900 + (30% of 900) = 900 + 270 = 1170 sq. ft.
What is Loading Factor?
Loading factor represents the difference between super built-up area and carpet area. It tells you how much extra you're paying for non-usable spaces.
Formula of Loading (%) :
[(Super Built-up Area - Carpet Area) / Carpet Area] x 100
How to Calculate Loading Factor
Example:
- Carpet area = 700 sq. ft.
- Super built-up area = 1,000 sq. ft.
- Loading = [(1000 - 700)/700] x 100 = 42.8%
How is Super Built-up Area Calculated When a Floor has More Than One Apartment?
When a floor has multiple apartments, the builder distributes the common area proportionately based on each unit’s built-up area.
Example:
- Total built-up area of all flats on a floor = 3,000 sq. ft.
- Flat A’s built-up area = 1,000 sq. ft. (33.3% of total)
- Total common area = 600 sq. ft.
- Flat A’s share of common area = 33.3% of 600 = 200 sq. ft.
- Super built-up area of Flat A = 1,000 + 200 = 1,200 sq. ft.
Difference Between Carpet, Built-up & Super Built-up Area
Key Considerations for Buyers
- Don’t be misled by super built-up area prices. Always ask for the carpet area to know your actual usable space.
- Check the RERA registration. It mandates disclosure of carpet area.
- Compare loading factors. Higher loading means you’re paying more for less usable space.
- Calculate cost per sq. ft. based on carpet area. This gives you a true sense of value.
- Ask for a detailed floor plan. This helps verify builder claims.
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Final Thoughts
Understanding carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area is not just helpful. It’s critical if you're serious about real estate investment or buying property in India. With regulations like RERA in place, buyers now have access to better transparency, but only if they know what to look for.
Use this guide to compare properties smartly, question builder claims, and avoid overpaying for non-usable space. In real estate, clarity saves money.
