When purchasing a property, understanding different area measurements is crucial for making informed decisions. Terms like carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area often confuse homebuyers. This comprehensive guide will explain these concepts in detail, helping you evaluate properties like Krishna Trident and GoldClass with confidence.
Did You Know? The difference between carpet area and super built-up area can be as much as 30-40% in some projects, significantly affecting the price you pay per square foot.
1. Carpet Area: The Actual Usable Space
Carpet Area
The actual area you can cover with carpet
Carpet area refers to the actual usable area within the walls of an apartment where you can literally lay carpet. It includes:
- Living and dining areas
- Bedrooms
- Kitchen
- Bathrooms
- Internal partition walls
Excludes: External walls, terrace, balcony, common areas (lift, staircase, lobby)
Why Carpet Area Matters:
Carpet area represents your actual living space. When comparing properties like Krishna Trident and GoldClass, focusing on carpet area helps you understand the real value you're getting for your money.
2. Built-Up Area: Including Walls and Utilities
Built-Up Area
Carpet area + walls and ducts
Built-up area includes the carpet area plus:
- Thickness of external and internal walls
- Balcony and terrace (if any)
- Utility ducts
Built-Up Area = Carpet Area + Wall Area + Utility Areas
Typically, built-up area is 10-15% more than carpet area, depending on the wall thickness and layout.
3. Super Built-Up Area: The Complete Calculation
Super Built-Up Area
Built-up area + common spaces
Super built-up area includes the built-up area plus a proportionate share of common areas:
- Lobby
- Elevators and staircases
- Clubhouse
- Garden and other amenities
Super Built-Up Area = Built-Up Area + Proportionate Common Area
This is also known as the "saleable area" and is what developers typically quote in their brochures. Premium projects like Krishna Trident often have better common area utilization, making the super built-up area more valuable.
Comparison of Area Types
| Measurement Type | Includes | Percentage More Than Carpet Area | Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpet Area | Actual usable space | 0% (Base) | Understanding actual living space |
| Built-Up Area | Carpet area + walls, ducts | 10-15% | Construction calculations |
| Super Built-Up Area | Built-up + common areas | 25-40% | Pricing and sales |
Important: The RERA (Real Estate Regulation Act) mandates that developers must disclose carpet areas, helping buyers make more informed decisions. Always ask for the carpet area when evaluating properties like GoldClass residences.
How to Calculate Price Per Square Foot
Understanding these area measurements helps you calculate the real price you're paying:
- Get all three area measurements from the developer
- Calculate price based on carpet area for true comparison:
Actual Price/Sq.ft = (Total Price) / (Carpet Area)
- Compare loading factor (difference between super built-up and carpet area)
- Evaluate amenities - Higher loading may be justified for premium amenities
For example, if a 1000 sq.ft super built-up area apartment costs ₹1 crore with 700 sq.ft carpet area:
Actual Price/Sq.ft = ₹1,00,00,000 / 700 = ₹14,285/sq.ft
Rather than the apparent ₹10,000/sq.ft (1 crore/1000 sq.ft)