Carpet Area vs Built-Up vs Super Built-Up: What You Are Actually Getting

Area Measurement Decoded

One of the biggest sources of confusion (and sometimes deception) in Indian real estate is how area is measured. RERA has brought some clarity, but buyers still need to understand the basics.

Carpet Area (RERA Standard)

The net usable floor area of your flat. It includes room areas, kitchen, bathrooms, and balconies but excludes walls, common areas, and lobbies. RERA mandates that all sales be quoted on carpet area. This is what you actually live in.

Built-Up Area

Carpet area + area of internal and external walls. Typically 10-15% more than carpet area. Some builders quote this to make the unit seem larger than it is.

Super Built-Up Area

Built-up area + proportionate share of common areas (lobby, staircase, gym, pool, garden). Can be 25-40% more than carpet area. Pre-RERA, this was the standard quotation, leading to buyers discovering their "1200 sq ft flat" had only 850 sq ft of usable space.

How to Compare

Always ask for the RERA carpet area. Divide the total price by carpet area to get the real per-sq-ft rate. A "Rs 6,000/sq ft" quote on super built-up might actually be Rs 8,500/sq ft on carpet. Compare properties fairly on Infratyke using carpet area.