When constructing a new house or buying a property, you may come across the term "plinth area." So, what is the plinth area? Simply put, the plinth area is the total area that is covered by the external walls of a building, including the internal walls, staircases, and other structures within the house. It plays a significant role in determining various aspects of property construction and valuation. In the context of real estate, understanding the plinth area meaning is essential for buyers, builders, and investors alike. This knowledge is particularly useful when applying for a Loan Against Property from Bajaj Finance.
What is plinth area?
Plinth area is a key term in real estate and construction, referring to the built-up covered area measured at the floor level of the building. Specifically, it includes the entire area within the external walls of a structure, covering spaces like rooms, corridors, bathrooms, and internal walls, but excluding open balconies, terraces, and other uncovered areas. Essentially, the plinth area represents the footprint of the building on the ground, helping to determine the amount of space a structure occupies on a plot of land. It is a crucial factor for calculating construction costs, property valuation, and determining municipal charges like property tax or development fees. Builders and buyers often refer to the plinth area for estimating the usable space inside a property. Understanding plinth area helps in better planning of layouts, budgeting, and compliance with local building regulations, making it an important metric in the property and construction industry.
Importance of plinth area in real estate
Understanding the concept of plinth area is important for several reasons:
Legal compliance: Local building laws often use the plinth area to set construction limits, including floor area ratio (FAR) and setback requirements.
Cost estimation: Builders and architects depend on the plinth area to accurately estimate construction costs by understanding the quantity of materials needed.
Space planning: For homeowners and interior designers, knowing the plinth area aids in optimizing space usage and designing effective interior layouts.
How to calculate plinth area?
Let’s now understand how to calculate a building’s plinth area. The method involves measuring the length and width of each room or space within the outer walls and adding them together. Follow this step-by-step guide:
- Measure length and width: Start by measuring the length and width of every room or area at floor level, taking measurements from the inner faces of the walls.
- Calculate individual areas: Multiply length by width to find the area of each room or space.
- Add all areas: Sum the areas of all rooms to get the total plinth area.
Common plinth area formulas:
- Rectangular buildings: Area = Length × Width
- Circular buildings: Area = π × Radius²
- Irregular shapes: Break the building into smaller regular shapes (rectangles, triangles), calculate each area, then sum them for the total plinth area..
Plinth area calculation formula
The plinth area is typically calculated by subtracting the square footage of floors above ground level from the total square footage below ground level. The difference represents the areas of the building that are not covered by floors.
The plinth area can be determined using the following formula:
Plinth Area = (Area of Floor) + (Area of Walls) – (Area of Openings)
In practice, however, most people use this simplified formula:
Plinth Area = Area of Floor + Area of Walls – Area of Openings
For example, if you have an 8-inch thick concrete slab and a 4-inch wide footing, your plinth area would be 16 square feet (8 x 4). Essentially, the plinth area refers to the area of ground covered by a building's foundation, and it is measured in square feet (ft²).
Inclusions and exclusions in plinth area calculation
Plinth area calculation includes built-up spaces within external walls like rooms and corridors, while excluding open areas such as balconies, terraces, and uncovered spaces, ensuring accurate measurement of usable floor space.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
| Internal and external walls | Open balconies, verandas not covered by a roof |
| Built-up areas such as staircases, lift shafts, and ducts | Open courtyards and terraces |
| Columns, pilasters, and fireplaces inside the building | External staircases and ramps |
| Covered balconies, porches, and service shafts | Open parking spaces and garden areas |
Difference between plinth area, carpet area, and built-up area
Plinth area covers the building’s footprint; carpet area is the usable floor space inside rooms, while built-up area includes carpet area plus walls and balcony spaces.
| Aspect | Plinth Area | Carpet Area | Built-Up Area |
| Definition | Total covered area including walls and columns | Usable area within the walls | Plinth area plus balconies and other utility areas |
| Includes | External and internal walls, staircases, balconies | Only the area available for actual use | Carpet area + wall thickness + utility areas |
| Excludes | Open spaces, gardens | Walls, utility spaces | Open areas, terraces, and gardens |
Impact of plinth area on construction costs
The plinth area directly influences the cost of constructing a building. The more the plinth area, the more material and labour are required, thus increasing the cost. A larger plinth area can also mean higher property taxes and insurance premiums, as these are calculated based on the built-up area. For homeowners looking to manage construction costs effectively, understanding plinth area calculations is essential.
Plinth area vs. Floor area vs. Covered area
| Aspect | Plinth area | Floor area | Covered area |
| Definition | Area covered by the building, including walls | Usable area within a specific floor | Area covered by the roof of the building |
| Includes | External and internal walls, columns | All rooms, excluding walls | Walls, balconies, staircases |
| Excludes | Open spaces, gardens | Staircases, balconies | Open terraces, gardens |
Common mistakes in plinth area calculation
- Including open spaces: People often mistakenly include open balconies and terraces.
- Excluding wall thickness: Neglecting the thickness of walls can lead to incorrect calculations.
- Ignoring staircases and utility areas: Not adding these areas may result in a lower plinth area.
- Incorrect measurement units: Always measure in the same unit to avoid discrepancies.
Conclusion
Understanding the plinth area is vital for anyone involved in real estate, whether they are a buyer, builder, or investor. It affects not only the construction costs but also the valuation and insurance premiums of a property. If you are planning to construct a new house or buy a property, make sure you understand the intricacies of plinth area calculations. For those looking to finance their property investments, Bajaj Finserv Loan Against Property can provide the necessary support. You can also use an area conversion calculator to easily convert between various measurement units, ensuring accuracy in your calculations.
