FAR Calculator
Floor Area Ratio & Max Buildable Area.
Assumes uniform floor plates. Or enter Tot Area/1.
Used to estimate footprint size.
When planning a building, one of the most important questions is how much construction is allowed on a piece of land. This is where the Floor to Area Ratio (FAR) Calculator becomes useful. It helps you find the maximum total floor area you can build based on the size of your plot and local zoning rules.
Instead of guessing or doing manual calculations, you can use this calculator to get quick and accurate results. It is helpful for architects, builders, developers, students, and property owners.
What Is Floor to Area Ratio (FAR)?
Floor to Area Ratio, also called FAR, is the ratio between the total floor area of a building and the area of the land plot.
In simple words, FAR tells you how much space you are allowed to build on a piece of land.
The formula is:
If the FAR is high, you can build more floors or larger buildings. If the FAR is low, construction is more limited.
Why FAR Is Important in Construction
FAR plays a big role in city planning and building design.
Some key reasons why FAR matters:
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Controls building density
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Prevents overcrowding
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Protects open spaces
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Maintains proper ventilation and sunlight
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Ensures legal construction
Following FAR rules helps create safer and more organized cities.
How the Floor to Area Ratio Calculator Works
The calculator needs two simple inputs:
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Plot Area (land size)
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Total Floor Area or FAR value
Depending on what you enter, the calculator can find:
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The FAR of a building
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The maximum floor area allowed
It instantly applies the correct formula and shows the result.
FAR Calculation Formula Explained
To find FAR:
To find the maximum allowed floor area:
Example
If the plot area is 5,000 sq ft and FAR is 2.0:
This means you can build up to 10,000 square feet of floor space.
Understanding Built-Up Area and Plot Area
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Plot Area is the total land size.
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Built-Up Area is the total covered floor space of the building.
FAR compares these two values to control how much construction is allowed.
Key Features of the FAR Calculator
Simple Input System
You only need basic land and building measurements.
Fast and Accurate Results
The calculator gives instant answers using standard formulas.
Supports Different Units
You can use:
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Square feet
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Square meters
Easy for Beginners
No technical knowledge is required.
Useful for Planning and Approval
Helps meet local zoning rules.
How to Use the FAR Calculator Step by Step
Step 1: Enter Plot Area
Add the size of your land.
Step 2: Enter Floor Area or FAR
Provide either the building floor area or the FAR value.
Step 3: Click Calculate
The result appears instantly.
Step 4: Review the Result
Use it for planning or legal checks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using wrong plot measurements
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Mixing different unit systems
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Ignoring local zoning rules
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Confusing FAR with building height
Always verify your data before final planning.
Real-Life Uses of FAR Calculation
FAR calculations are useful for:
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Residential building design
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Commercial project planning
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City development projects
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Property investment decisions
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Construction approvals
Knowing FAR helps you avoid legal problems.
FAR and Building Height
FAR does not directly control height, but it limits the total floor area. A building can be short and wide or tall and narrow, as long as it follows FAR rules.
Other rules like height limits and setbacks also apply.
Benefits for Architects and Property Owners
Architects use FAR to design legal buildings. Property owners use it to know how much construction is allowed. Developers use it to plan profitable projects.
The calculator saves time, improves accuracy, and supports smart planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FAR the same in every city?
No. FAR rules vary by location.
Does FAR include parking areas?
It depends on local regulations.
Can I increase FAR?
Only if zoning laws allow it.
Is FAR used for residential buildings?
Yes. FAR applies to both residential and commercial projects.
Helpful Tips for Better FAR Planning
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Check local zoning laws
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Measure plot area carefully
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Consult professionals
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Plan for future expansion
Good planning leads to better results.
Final Words
The Floor to Area Ratio Calculator is a powerful tool for understanding how much construction is allowed on a piece of land. By entering simple values, you can quickly calculate FAR and maximum buildable area.
Whether you are designing a home, planning a commercial project, or studying urban planning, this calculator helps you make smart and legal building decisions with confidence.