Carpet area versus built-up area

Carpet area is the usable floor area within the walls of the unit. Built-up area adds the wall thickness and, depending on the definition used, other areas. Super built-up area adds a share of common areas.

For retail decisions, carpet area is the number that governs how much of the business can actually operate inside the unit. Rent and price are frequently quoted against a larger measure, which makes the rate per square foot look lower than the effective cost against usable space.

When comparing units, ask for the carpet area in writing, ask which definition the quoted rate uses, and recalculate the rate against carpet area before comparing. Where a unit includes a mezzanine or an upper level, ask for the floor-wise split so that the ground-floor component is clear.