Carpet vs built-up vs super built-up area: what you actually get
Buying · 5 min read · Reviewed January 2026
Carpet area is the usable floor area within the walls of the flat. Built-up area adds internal walls and the balcony. Super built-up area additionally loads a proportionate share of common areas such as lobbies, staircases and clubhouses, so it is the largest of the three. Under RERA, residential sale agreements must state carpet area.
The three measures
Carpet area is what you can lay a carpet over: the net usable area inside the internal walls, excluding the balcony and common areas.
Built-up area is carpet area plus the thickness of internal walls and usually the balcony and utility area.
Super built-up area is built-up area plus a share of common facilities. The uplift is called loading, and it is set by the developer, not by any statute.
Why loading changes the real price
Two flats advertised at the same ₹/sqft on super built-up area can differ substantially in usable space. If one project loads 25% and another loads 40%, the second gives you less carpet for the same headline rate.
Always convert to a carpet-area rate before comparing: divide the total price by the carpet area. That single number makes projects, resale flats and different cities comparable.
What RERA changed
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act defines carpet area and requires it to be disclosed in the sale agreement for registered residential projects. Marketing material may still lead with super built-up, so read the agreement, not the brochure.
How BuySellProperty shows area
Listings on this site record which measure the seller quoted — carpet, built-up or super built-up — and display it alongside the number, so you know what you are comparing. Where carpet area is provided, the price per carpet sqft is shown too.
Frequently asked questions
- Is loading regulated in India?
- No. The loading percentage is a commercial decision by the developer. RERA regulates the disclosure of carpet area, not the size of the loading.
- Does the balcony count in carpet area?
- Under the RERA definition, the exclusive balcony and open terrace area is stated separately from carpet area, not merged into it.
- What is a typical loading percentage?
- Loading commonly falls in a 20%–40% band, but it varies widely by project and amenity level. Ask for the carpet and super built-up figures and compute it yourself rather than relying on a rule of thumb.