This tool uses industry-standard space allocation benchmarks from BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) and major furniture manufacturers. It accounts for different work styles — private offices typically need 150-250 sq ft per person, open plan workstations 50-75 sq ft, and hotdesking setups as little as 40-60 sq ft.

The calculator also factors in circulation space — the 30-40% of floor area needed for walkways, corridors, and common areas that many buyers forget to account for. This is one of the most overlooked line items in space planning and frequently leads to projects going over budget when the reality of the floor plan doesn't match the spreadsheet.

Support spaces like conference rooms, phone booths, break rooms, and reception areas are calculated separately based on industry ratios. A general rule: plan for 1 small conference room per 10-15 employees, and at least 1 phone/focus room per 8-10 people in an open plan.

When to Use This Tool

Use this calculator early in your planning process — ideally before signing a lease or committing to a floor plan. The output gives you a defensible square footage target to share with your real estate broker, architect, or space planner. It's also useful when evaluating whether your current space can absorb growth or if a move is necessary.