Carpet Area vs Built-Up Area: What’s the Difference and How to Calculate?

Publish on: 24-Nov-2024

Carpet Area vs Built-Up Area: What’s the Difference and How to Calculate?

When it comes to buying or renting a property, terms like carpet area and built-up area play a crucial role. These measurements directly influence the pricing and usability of the space. Understanding these terms can help you make informed decisions and avoid paying for space you cannot actually use.

So what is the differences between carpet area and built-up area, how to calculate each, and why they matter. Lets see.

What Is Carpet Area?

The carpet area refers to the actual usable area within the walls of your property. As the name suggests, it is the part of the house where you can lay a carpet. This excludes spaces like walls, balconies, and other non-usable areas.

Features of Carpet Area

  • Includes: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining areas, kitchens, and bathrooms.
  • Excludes: Wall thickness, balconies, verandas, and common areas like lobbies or staircases.

Formula to Calculate Carpet Area

Carpet Area=Length×Width (of each room)-Exclusions (if any)\text{Carpet Area} = \text{Length} \times \text{Width (of each room)} - \text{Exclusions (if any)}

For multiple rooms:

Total Carpet Area=∑i=1n(Lengthi×Widthi)-Exclusions\text{Total Carpet Area} = \sum_{i=1}^n (\text{Length}_i \times \text{Width}_i) - \text{Exclusions}

What Is Built-Up Area?

The built-up area is the total area of the property, including the carpet area and additional spaces like the thickness of the walls, balconies, and other built-up portions.

Formula to Calculate Built-Up Area

Built-Up Area=Carpet Area+Wall Thickness Area+Balcony Area\text{Built-Up Area} = \text{Carpet Area} + \text{Wall Thickness Area} + \text{Balcony Area}

Carpet Area vs Built-Up Area: Key Differences

Aspect Carpet Area Built-Up Area
Definition Usable floor area within the walls. Total area, including walls and balconies.
Includes Bedrooms, living room, bathrooms, etc. Carpet area, wall thickness, and balconies.
Excludes Wall thickness, balconies, verandas. Common areas like staircases or lobbies.
Usability Completely usable space. Partially usable (walls and balconies add no direct value).
Price Impact Typically lower cost. Typically higher cost due to additional space.

Example Calculation

Let’s assume the following measurements:

  • Carpet Area:

    • Bedroom 1: 5 m × 4 m = 20 sq.m
    • Living Room: 6 m × 4 m = 24 sq.m
    • Bathroom: 2 m × 2 m = 4 sq.m

  • Total Carpet Area = 20+24+4 = 48 sq.m

  • Built-Up Area:

    • Wall Thickness Area = 10 sq.m
    • Balcony Area = 5 sq.m
    • Built-Up Area = 48+10+5 = 63 sq.m

How to Calculate Carpet Area and Built-Up Area (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Measure the Dimensions of Each Room

  • For carpet area, measure the length and width of every usable space, such as bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms.

Step 2: Include Exclusions

  • Deduct areas occupied by built-in cupboards, storage spaces, or internal structures if necessary.

Step 3: Calculate Built-Up Area

  • Add the thickness of walls and balconies to the carpet area to get the built-up area.

Why Is This Important?

Understanding the difference between carpet area and built-up area is crucial for:

  1. Property Valuation: Builders and sellers often price properties based on the built-up area, which includes less usable space.
  2. Budget Planning: Knowing the usable space ensures you don’t overpay for non-functional areas.
  3. Regulatory Compliance: Governments regulate the ratio of carpet area to built-up area for fair pricing.

Conclusion

While both carpet area and built-up area are essential for property evaluation, the carpet area gives you a better sense of the usable living space. Before making a purchase or rental decision, always ask for detailed measurements and calculate these areas yourself to ensure transparency and value for money.

FAQs

1. What is a super built-up area?

The super built-up area includes the built-up area plus common areas like lobbies, staircases, and other shared spaces.

2. Which is more important, carpet area or built-up area?

Carpet area is more important because it reflects the usable living space, whereas the built-up area includes less functional spaces.

3. How is the carpet area percentage calculated?

Carpet Area Percentage=(Carpet AreaBuilt-Up Area)×100\text{Carpet Area Percentage} = \left( \frac{\text{Carpet Area}}{\text{Built-Up Area}} \right) \times 100

4. Can balconies be included in the carpet area?

No, balconies are excluded from the carpet area calculation.

5. Why is built-up area used for property pricing?

Builders often use the built-up area to justify higher pricing as it includes non-usable spaces like walls and balconies.

 

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