When you’re buying a property, especially an apartment, you’ll come across terms like Carpet Area, Built-up Area, and Super Built-up Area. These measurements can significantly impact your understanding of the property’s actual usable space—and its price. Let’s break down what each of these terms means and how they differ.
1. Carpet Area
Definition:
Carpet Area is the actual usable area within the walls of the apartment where you can lay a carpet—essentially the space available for you to live in.
What’s included:
- Bedrooms
- Living room
- Kitchen
- Bathrooms
- Internal walls
What’s not included:
- Thickness of external walls
- Balconies
- Common areas (like lifts, lobbies, or staircases)
Why it matters:
Carpet Area gives you the real idea of how much space you’ll actually be using daily. As per RERA (Real Estate Regulation Authority), builders must now disclose the Carpet Area, making it a key metric in your purchase decision.
2. Built-up Area
Definition:
Built-up Area is the total area of the apartment, including the carpet area plus the thickness of the walls and the areas of balconies or terraces attached to the unit.
Formula:
Built-up Area = Carpet Area + Walls + Balcony
What’s included:
- Carpet Area
- Internal and external wall thickness
- Utility and service shafts
- Balcony or terrace area
Approximate increase over carpet area:
Typically 10-20% more than the carpet area.
Why it matters:
Builders often quote the built-up area in property brochures, which can make the unit look more spacious than it actually is in terms of usable area.
3. Super Built-up Area (Saleable Area)
Definition:
Super Built-up Area includes the built-up area plus a proportionate share of common areas like the lobby, lift, staircase, clubhouse, and amenities.
Formula:
Super Built-up Area = Built-up Area + Proportionate share of Common Areas
What’s included:
- Carpet Area
- Walls and balconies
- Common facilities (lobbies, staircases, elevators, etc.)
- Amenities (clubhouse, gym, etc.) — partially
Approximate increase over carpet area:
Can be 25-40% more than the carpet area depending on the project.
Why it matters:
The price per square foot is usually calculated on the Super Built-up Area, not the Carpet Area. So even if you’re not using common areas daily, you’re still paying for them.
Quick Comparison Table
| Area Type | Includes | Excludes | % More Than Carpet Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpet Area | Usable indoor space | Walls, balconies, common areas | — |
| Built-up Area | Carpet area + walls + balcony | Common/shared areas | 10–20% |
| Super Built-up Area | Built-up area + share of common amenities | — | 25–40% |