When you’re buying a flat, the terms carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area are more than just jargon — they directly affect what you’re paying for and what you’re getting. Understanding these real estate measurements is crucial for making an informed decision, especially in a competitive property market like Patna or any metro city in India.
📐 What is Carpet Area?
Carpet area refers to the actual usable area within the walls of your flat – the space where you can lay a carpet, hence the name. It includes:
- Bedrooms
- Living/dining areas
- Kitchen
- Bathrooms
- Internal staircases (if any)
Does NOT include:
- Balcony
- Utility areas
- External or common walls
- Lobby, lifts, or shared amenities
✅ RERA mandates that all builders clearly mention carpet area in agreements, making it the most reliable metric for buyers.
🧱 What is Built-up Area?
Built-up area is the carpet area plus the thickness of internal and external walls and often includes balconies or terraces attached to the unit.
Formula:
📏 Built-up Area = Carpet Area + Walls + Balcony
Typically, the built-up area is 10–20% more than the carpet area.
🏢 What is Super Built-up Area?
Super built-up area, also known as saleable area, includes the built-up area plus a share of the common areas such as:
- Staircases
- Lobbies
- Lifts
- Clubhouses
- Gardens
- Corridors
This is the area on which builders usually calculate the price per square foot. Hence, the super built-up area can be 25–40% more than the carpet area, depending on the project.
📊 Comparison Table
| Measurement Type | Includes | Excludes |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet Area | Rooms, kitchen, bathroom | Walls, balcony, common areas |
| Built-up Area | Carpet area + walls + balcony | Common areas (lobby, staircase, etc.) |
| Super Built-up Area | Built-up area + proportion of common spaces | — |
🧮 Example
Suppose a flat has:
- Carpet area = 800 sq. ft.
- Built-up area = 960 sq. ft. (approx. +20%)
- Super built-up area = 1,200 sq. ft. (approx. +25% more than built-up)
If the price is ₹5,000 per sq. ft. based on super built-up area:
- You pay: ₹60,00,000
- But usable (carpet) area is only 800 sq. ft.
🧠 Why This Matters for You
- Transparency: Always ask for the carpet area to know what you’re actually getting.
- Cost Comparison: Two flats with similar super built-up areas may have different carpet areas.
- Legal Value: As per RERA, the agreement must be based on carpet area – not just super built-up.
✅ Tips for Homebuyers
- Ask the Builder for a floor plan showing all area breakdowns.
- Check if the pricing is per carpet area or super built-up area.
- Compare carpet areas between projects for better value.
- Avoid overpaying for common areas you may not use.
🏡 Conclusion
Understanding the difference between carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area empowers you as a buyer. It helps you assess whether you’re getting good value and ensures transparency in your real estate investment.
Whether you’re exploring 2 BHK flats in Patna or evaluating premium apartments, always insist on knowing the carpet area — that’s the space you’ll truly call home.
