FAR Calculator India (FSI) — Free Built-Up Area Tool | Speak Arch

Use this free FAR calculator India (also called FSI calculator) to estimate how much built-up area you can construct on your plot from Floor Area Ratio or Floor Space Index. It is for planning and education only — municipal rules vary by city, zone, and road width.

How to use this FAR / FSI calculator

  1. Enter your plot area in sq ft or sq m (as on your sale deed or site plan).
  2. Enter the FAR or FSI allowed for your zone (from your municipal notification, architect, or development plan).
  3. Optionally add ground coverage % and number of floors for footprint and per-floor hints.
  4. Click Calculate to see permissible built-up area in sq ft and sq m.
Free Tool

FAR / FSI Calculator

Calculate permissible built-up area for Indian plots

Enter the total plot / site area as per sale deed or site plan.

Most Indian residential plots: 1.0–2.5 depending on city and zone. Check your municipal bylaw or DC regulations.

Quick pick:
Optional inputs (for additional estimates)

Maximum ground footprint allowed as % of plot area — check your local DC regulations.

Used for indicative per-floor area estimate only. Not a structural or legal check.

Frequently asked questions

What is FAR and FSI in India?

FAR (Floor Area Ratio) and FSI (Floor Space Index) are the same metric used in Indian municipal development control regulations. It is the ratio of total permissible built-up area to the plot area. For example, an FAR of 2.0 on a 1,000 sq ft plot allows 2,000 sq ft of total construction across all floors.

How is permissible built-up area calculated from FAR?

Permissible built-up area = Plot Area × FAR/FSI. If your plot is 200 sq m and the local FAR is 1.5, you can build up to 300 sq m (gross built-up area across all floors). This figure is subject to setback requirements, ground coverage limits, and height restrictions under your local development authority's bylaws.

Does FAR include basement or stilt parking in India?

This varies by city and zone. In many Indian municipalities (e.g., Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai), stilt and basement parking is excluded from FAR calculations if used solely for parking. However, services floors, utility rooms, and habitable basements may be counted. Always verify with your local Municipal Corporation or Development Authority before finalising designs.

Why does FAR differ between Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore?

FAR/FSI is set by each city's development authority — DDA in Delhi, MCGM/BMC in Mumbai, BBMP/BDA in Bangalore — and varies by zone (residential, commercial, mixed-use), road width, and TDR (Transferable Development Rights) policy. Mumbai has some of India's highest FSI values (up to 5.0 near transit corridors under TOD norms), while smaller towns typically apply 1.0–1.5. Check the current Unified Development Control Regulations (UDCR) for your city.

Is this FAR calculator a substitute for municipal approval?

No. This calculator provides an educational estimate based on the FAR value you enter. Actual permissible construction depends on setbacks, ground coverage limits, height restrictions, road width, parking norms, TDR, heritage overlays, and zone-specific rules. Always consult a licensed architect and obtain approval from your local development authority before purchase or construction.

What is ground coverage in Indian building regulations?

Ground coverage (or site coverage) is the maximum percentage of a plot that a building's footprint can occupy at ground level. It is separate from FAR. For example, a 500 sq m plot with 40% ground coverage allows a maximum footprint of 200 sq m per floor at ground level, regardless of total FAR. Coverage limits ensure open space, setbacks, and ventilation.

What is FAR and FSI in India?

FAR (Floor Area Ratio) and FSI (Floor Space Index) mean the same thing in Indian building regulations: total permissible built-up area divided by plot area. If FAR is 1.5 on a 2,000 sq ft plot, you may build up to 3,000 sq ft across all floors — before setbacks, coverage caps, height limits, parking, and stilt rules are applied.

Each city sets FAR through its development authority — for example DDA in Delhi, BMC/MCGM in Mumbai, BBMP/BDA in Bengaluru, HMDA in Hyderabad, and PMC in Pune. Values differ by zone (residential, commercial, TOD corridors) and may increase with road width or TDR (Transferable Development Rights).

FAR vs ground coverage

Ground coverage is the maximum percentage of the plot that the building footprint can cover at ground level. It is separate from FAR. A plot can have FAR 2.0 but only 40% ground coverage — meaning more floors with a smaller footprint. Always check both numbers in your local bye-laws.

When to consult an architect

This tool does not replace sanctioned drawings, structural design, or municipal approval. Before buying land or starting construction, verify FAR, setbacks, height, parking, and fire norms with your local development authority and a licensed architect. For construction cost estimates after you know built-up area, see our Tools hub (construction cost calculator).

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Disclaimer: Educational estimate only. Speak Arch is an online-only publication. Contact: contact@speakarch.com.

Last updated: 24 May 2026