Difference between Carpet Area, Built-up Area & Super Area
Published: Jun 2025
When buying a home, understanding the difference between carpet area, built-up area, and super area is crucial for making an informed investment. These terms define how much usable space you get, how much you pay for it, and what is shared with other residents. With regulatory changes like RERA, knowing these distinctions is more important than ever for homebuyers navigating the world of carpet area in real estate. This comprehensive guide will clarify the definitions, calculations, and implications of each area type, helping you avoid common pitfalls and make smarter property decisions.
| Area Type | What’s Included | What’s Excluded | Typical Use in Pricing/Legal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpet Area | Bedrooms, living room, kitchen, bathrooms | Bedrooms, living room, kitchen, bathrooms | RERA-compliant pricing |
| Built up Area | Carpet area + internal/external walls, balconies | Common areas (lobby, lifts, amenities) | Used in older agreements |
| Super Area | Built up area + proportionate common areas | Private gardens, parking, open spaces | Pricing in some projects |
Related Blog : Sale Agreement vs. Sale Deed: Key Differences Explained
What is Carpet Area?
Carpet area definition: The general carpet area is the actual usable floor space within the walls of your apartment—essentially, the area where you can lay a carpet. It is the most accurate representation of the space you own and can use daily.
What's Included in Carpet Area
- ⮚ Bedrooms
- ⮚ Living room
- ⮚ Kitchen
- ⮚ Bathrooms
- ⮚ Study room
- ⮚ Pooja room
- ⮚ Internal staircases (if any)
What's NOT Included
- ⮚ External and internal walls (does carpet area include walls?- except partition walls as per RERA)
- ⮚ Balconies
- ⮚ Terraces
- ⮚ Utility areas
- ⮚ AC ducts and shafts
- ⮚ Common lobbies and corridors (carpet area excludes these spaces)
RERA Definition: Official Regulatory Definition Post-2016
Carpet area according to RERA (Real Estate Regulation and Development Act, 2016) is defined as the net usable floor area of an apartment, excluding the area covered by external walls, exclusive balconies, verandahs, or open terraces, but including the area covered by internal partition walls. This RERA carpet area definition brought much-needed transparency and uniformity to real estate transactions.
Calculation Formula: Length × Width for Each Room
Carpet area calculation as per RERA:
Carpet Area=∑(Length×Width of each usable room)
Alternatively, use a carpet area calculator for quick results.
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Built-up Area Explained: Components and Calculation
Built-up area and carpet area are often confused. The built-up area is the sum of the carpet area plus the thickness of internal and external walls, and may also include balconies, terraces, and exclusive corridors. It is typically 10–20% larger than the carpet area.
Formula:
Built up Area=Carpet Area+Wall Thickness+Balconies/Terraces
Key point: Built-up area gives a slightly inflated sense of space since it includes areas you cannot use.
Super Area: The Complete Picture
The super built-up area (or super area) is the built-up area plus a proportionate share of common areas like lobbies, lifts, staircases, clubhouses, and amenities. This is sometimes called the “saleable area” and is used by some builders for pricing.
How to calculate the super built-up area of carpet:
Super Built-up Area = Built-up Area +Proportionate Common Area (or) Super Built up Area=Carpet Area×(1+Loading Factor) Carpet Area vs Built up Area vs Super Area: Key Differences
| Feature | Carpet Area | Built up Area | Super Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usable private space | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wall thickness | No (except partitions) | Yes | Yes |
| Balconies, terraces | No | Yes | Yes |
| Common amenities | No | No | Yes (proportionate share) |
| Used for pricing (RERA) | Yes | No | Sometimes |
- ⮚ Carpet vs built up: Carpet area is net usable; built up adds walls and balconies..
- ⮚ Built-up vs super built-up: Super area adds shared amenities and common spaces to the built-up area.
- ⮚ Super area vs carpet area: Super area is always larger and includes non-private spaces.
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Practical Examples: How to Calculate Different Areas
Suppose you have an apartment with:
- ⮚ Bedroom: 12 ft × 10 ft = 120 sq ft
- ⮚ Living room: 15 ft × 12 ft = 180 sq ft
- ⮚ Kitchen: 10 ft × 8 ft = 80 sq ft
- ⮚ Bathroom: 8 ft × 5 ft = 40 sq ft
Total carpet area = 120 + 180 + 80 + 40 = 420 sq ft
If internal and external walls, balconies, and terraces add up to 80 sq ft:
- ⮚ Built up area = 420 + 80 = 500 sq ft
If your share of common areas (lobby, lift, gym) is 100 sq ft:
- ⮚ Super built up area = 500 + 100 = 600 sq ft
Step-by-Step Calculation Guide
- ⮚ Measure each room’s length and width.
- ⮚ Calculate the area for each: Length × Width.
- ⮚ Add all usable spaces for the general carpet area.
- ⮚ Add wall thickness, balconies, and terraces for the built-up area.
- ⮚ Add a proportionate share of common areas for the super area.
- ⮚ Use a carpet area calculator or ask your builder for detailed breakdowns.
RERA Rules: Carpet Area Mandate and Buyer Protection
- ⮚ The carpet area, according to RERA, is now the legal standard for property sales in India.
- ⮚ Builders must disclose the carpet area, and pricing must be based on this metric.
- ⮚ Does the RERA carpet area include the balcony?
No, balconies, verandahs, and open terraces are excluded from the RERA carpet area.
How to Verify Area Measurements: Homebuyer's Checklist
- ⮚ Request floor plans with clear area demarcations.
- ⮚ Check for RERA compliance in area disclosures.
- ⮚ Ask for a breakdown: carpet, built-up, and super area.
- ⮚ Visit the site and physically measure rooms if possible.
- ⮚ Compare with bank/third-party valuation for accuracy.
Smart Tips: Making Informed Decisions About Property Areas
- ⮚ Always compare properties based on carpet area in real estate, not super built-up.
- ⮚ Clarify the super area and carpet area ratio with your builder.
- ⮚ Use the carpet area calculator for transparency.
- ⮚ Negotiate pricing based on carpet area, as mandated by RERA.
- ⮚ Understand the covered area and super area differences for amenities and maintenance costs.
Common Mistakes Homebuyers Make with Property Areas
- ⮚ Confusing the super area with usable space.
- ⮚ Relying on the built-up area for price comparison.
- ⮚ Ignoring the loading factor in super built-up calculations.
- ⮚ Not clarifying what is included in each area type.
- ⮚ Overlooking RERA mandates on carpet area.
- ⮚ Assuming all builders use the same definitions.
- ⮚ Neglecting to verify measurements independently.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between carpet area, built-up area, and super area is essential for every homebuyer. The carpet area gives you the true usable space, built-up area adds walls and private extras, while the super area includes your share of common amenities. Always focus on carpet area calculation as per RERA for transparency and value. Use this knowledge to avoid common mistakes, negotiate better, and ensure you get the space you pay for—whether you’re buying from Sameera Estates Private Ltd, exploring plots for sale in Chennai, or investing in Kodaikanal real estate.
