All You Need to Know About Carpet Area and Built-up Area

When you are looking to buy or rent a property, there are a few terms that you must be familiar with. Some commonly used terms that you should be aware of include Carpet Area and Built-up Area.

Why, you ask? Well, a basic understanding of these terms will help you make better and more informed decisions when buying or renting a property.

In this blog, let us try and understand these two terms.

What is Carpet Area?

Carpet Area is the total area of the apartment or house that can be covered by a carpet, or let’s say, any flooring material for that matter. It is the actual usable area within the four walls of a property. And mind you, it does not include the thickness of walls, areas of balconies, or common areas. Carpet Area is measured from the inner walls of the property.

What is Built-Up Area?

Built-Up Area is the total area of the apartment or house that includes the carpet area plus the area of the walls and balconies. It is the area built up or covered by construction, including the thickness of walls.

Keep in mind that the built-up area also includes common areas such as lobbies, staircases, and lifts. It is the area covered by the superstructure.

The difference between Carpet Area and Built-up Area

The main difference between Carpet Area and Built-up Area is that the built-up area includes the thickness of the walls, while the carpet area does not. Built-up Area also includes balconies and common areas which are not a part of the Carpet Area.

Let us try and understand these terms better with the help of an example.

Say, you are looking to buy a 2BHK flat with a built-up area of 1200sq.ft. The carpet area of the flat is 800sq.ft, and the remaining 400sq.ft. is the area of walls, balconies, and common areas.

If you decide to carpet the entire flat, you require purchasing 800sq.ft. of carpet. However, if you want to know the complete area of the flat, you will have to consider the built-up area, i.e. 1200sq.ft.

Why should you, or for that matter any occupant, should know the difference between Carpet Area and Built-Up Area?

Well, it will help you have a better picture of the usable area of the property, including common areas and other facilities.

Make sure to ask your builder or the real estate agent for the carpet area and built-up area of the property before making a decision!