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How to calculate built up area from floor plan?

Built-up area is the total covered area inside a building's outer perimeter, including the thickness of exterior and interior walls. To calculate it from a floor plan, measure the exterior footprint of each covered level, split irregular shapes into rectangles, add the sections, then total every story.

Depending on local practice, built-up area may also take in covered balconies, utility areas, enclosed shafts, staircases, and other covered portions. The exact definition changes by country, local regulations, lender, developer, and condominium documents. Confirm the applicable convention before you report a number.

Divide an irregular footprint into rectangles and other simple shapes, calculate each section, and add them. A 30-by-40-foot main rectangle is 1,200 square feet. A covered 10-by-12-foot wing adds 120 square feet, so that level comes to 1,320 square feet.

Work out every story separately, then total them. Built-up area is not carpet area, usable area, gross living area, or super built-up area. Those terms include or exclude walls, balconies, garages, common areas, and other spaces in different ways. Label the measurement method and inclusions in your final report.