What Is Floor Area Ratio?

Also written as: FAR

Floor area ratio is a zoning limit expressing how much total building floor space is allowed relative to the size of the lot it sits on.

Most useful for: Commercial Investor · Developer
F
At a Glance
Floor Area Ratio
FAR=Total Building Floor Area÷Lot Area
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A 10,000 sq ft lot with a 2.0 FAR limit allows up to 20,000 sq ft of total building floor area, regardless of how many stories that takes.

Formula

FAR = Total Building Floor Area ÷ Lot Area

Example

A 10,000 sq ft lot with a 2.0 FAR limit allows up to 20,000 sq ft of total building floor area, regardless of how many stories that takes.

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This definition is provided for general educational purposes and is not financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. Verify important decisions with appropriately qualified professionals.

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