Carpet vs Built-up vs Super Built-up Area: What You Actually Pay For

“1,400 sq.ft” can mean very different amounts of actual living space depending on how it’s measured. Understanding the three area terms protects you from paying for space you can’t use.

The three areas, simply

• Carpet area — the net usable area inside your flat, where you can literally lay a carpet: rooms, kitchen, internal passages. This is the space you actually live in.
• Built-up area — carpet area plus the thickness of walls and private balconies. Usually 10–20% more than carpet area.
• Super built-up area — built-up area plus a share of common spaces (lobby, staircase, lift). This is the largest figure, and historically what inflated brochures.

What RERA changed (in your favour)

Since RERA, builders must sell on carpet area and mention it in the brochure and sale deed. That means the number you’re quoted now reflects real usable space, not a padded super-built-up figure.

RERA carpet area also includes the thickness of internal partition walls, so it’s slightly larger than the older definition — but still an honest, usable measure.

Why it matters to your money

• Two flats both “1,400 sq.ft” can have very different carpet areas — always compare on carpet area.
• Your price per sq.ft should be understood against carpet area to compare fairly.
• If the delivered carpet area is less than promised, RERA entitles you to a refund with interest.

A quick buyer’s rule

Before you compare two homes, ask one question: “What’s the carpet area?” Then compare price, layout and light on that basis. It’s the single most useful number in the whole brochure.

Our commitment

Shree Infra quotes and builds on honest carpet-area terms — what you see is what you get. It’s part of how we handle the paperwork with you.

Comparing homes and not sure what you’re really getting? Ask us — we’ll break it down honestly, even for a flat that isn’t ours.

General guidance only — confirm exact areas and definitions in your agreement.