If you’ve ever visited a sample flat or reviewed a property brochure, you’ve likely encountered terms like carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area. But have you ever wondered which one reflects the actual usable space in your home?
Among all the measurements used in real estate, carpet area is the one that tells you how much space you actually get to live in. And for buyers exploring flats in Sarjapur Road or evaluating 3 BHK flats for sale in Whitefield, Bangalore, understanding this is crucial before signing the dotted line.
Let’s break it down.
What Is Carpet Area?
Carpet area refers to the actual usable area within the walls of your apartment—the space where you can lay a carpet. This includes:
- Bedrooms
- Living room
- Dining area
- Kitchen
- Bathrooms
- Internal walls (thin partition walls, if applicable)
It excludes common areas, balconies, and wall thicknesses of shared walls.
In simple terms: Carpet area = Area usable for flooring or furniture placement
How Is Carpet Area Calculated?
There’s no complex formula involved. Here’s a basic representation:
Carpet Area = Net usable floor area inside the apartment
Let’s say you purchase a flat with:
- Bedroom 1: 140 sq. ft.
- Bedroom 2: 130 sq. ft.
- Living room: 200 sq. ft.
- Kitchen: 100 sq. ft.
- Bathrooms: 80 sq. ft.
- Passage: 50 sq. ft.
Total carpet area = 700 sq. ft.
This figure is often 70–80% of the super built-up area, depending on the project layout.
Why Carpet Area Matters for Homebuyers
Carpet area helps you:
- Understand the actual space you get to use every day.
- Compare properties effectively by focusing on usable space instead of inflated total areas.
- Negotiate better with developers on pricing and layout efficiency.
- Avoid surprises after possession when the flat feels smaller than expected.
So, whether you’re exploring a high-rise in Whitefield or a budget flat on Sarjapur Road, ask the builder for a detailed apartment floor plan with carpet area clearly marked.
Carpet Area vs Built-Up Area vs Super Built-Up Area
These three terms often confuse buyers. Let’s clarify:
| Term | Includes | Excludes |
| Carpet Area | Net usable space | Walls, balcony, lobby |
| Built-Up Area | Carpet area + wall thickness + balcony | Common areas |
| Super Built-Up Area | Built-up + common amenities (stairs, lift, lobby, clubhouse share) | None |
To understand these differences better, you can read our full breakdown of built-up vs super built-up area.
How Builders Sometimes Mislead with Area Terms
In many cases, builders advertise the super built-up area in brochures to present a larger number. This inflates the per-square-foot cost in disguise.
Example:
- Advertised super built-up area: 1,300 sq. ft.
- Actual carpet area: 910 sq. ft.
- That’s just 70% of what you’re paying for.
So always insist on clear documentation of all area breakdowns and verify what percentage of your payment corresponds to actual usable space.
RERA and Carpet Area Transparency
Thanks to the RERA Act (Real Estate Regulatory Authority), builders are now legally obligated to disclose carpet area and not just super built-up area. This protects buyers from deceptive advertising and helps you make an informed decision.
How to Maximize Carpet Area in Your Home
Even after purchasing, you can make better use of your available carpet space through smart planning:
- Use multifunctional furniture like foldable beds or nesting tables.
- Install vertical storage units to free up floor space.
- Choose open layouts or sliding doors to enhance the feel of spaciousness.
- Keep décor minimal to reduce visual clutter.
The Bottom Line for First-Time Buyers
- Focus on carpet area rather than just the built-up or super built-up area.
- Ask for a floor plan with area specifications.
- Compare projects on a cost per sq. ft. of carpet area basis for a fair assessment.
- Ensure the builder complies with RERA transparency norms.
By understanding carpet area, you’ll be better equipped to make a property investment that offers true value—and enough space to live comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What percentage of super built-up area is typically carpet area?
Usually, carpet area makes up 70–80% of the super built-up area, depending on design efficiency. - Is balcony space included in carpet area?
No. Balcony, external walls, and common areas are not part of the carpet area. - Can two flats with the same super built-up area have different carpet areas?
Yes. Different layouts can affect carpet area even if the total super built-up area is the same. - Is carpet area mentioned in the sale agreement?
Yes. Under RERA, it is mandatory to mention the carpet area in sale agreements. - How do I compare carpet areas of different flats?
Always ask for a detailed floor plan and calculate the price per square foot of the carpet area—not the super built-up figure.