Gross floor area GFA
The area of a building can be measured in a number of different ways, and it is very important to be clear about which measure is being used, for example in property sales, planning applications, building regulations applications, lease negotiations, rating valuations and so on.
The term 'gross floor area' (GFA) is a very confusing one that has different meanings around the world, and even within some countries.
Part L of the UK building regulations suggest that it is equivalent to the total useful floor area (TUFA), which is the '...total area of all enclosed spaces measured to the internal face of the external walls.'
However, in many countries gross floor area is taken to be the total enclosed space including the external walls.
For this reason it is clearer to use the terms:
- Gross internal area: The enclosed area of a building within the external walls taking each floor into account but excluding the thickness of the external walls.
- Gross external area: The whole area of the building, including external walls.
Precise definitions for the accurate measurement of buildings are set out by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in the RICS Code of Measuring Practice.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Beneficial occupation.
- Case notes for rating valuation (Garton V Hunter).
- Choice of method for rating valuation.
- Contractor’s basis for rating valuation.
- Gross development area.
- Gross external area.
- Gross internal area.
- Gross site area.
- New rules of measurement.
- Net internal area.
- Profits method of rating valuation.
- Rating valuation.
- Rental method of rating valuation.
- Statutory formulae for rating valuation.
- Total useful floor area.
Featured articles and news
Shortage of high-quality data threatening the AI boom
And other fundamental issues highlighted by the Open Data Institute.
Data centres top the list of growth opportunities
In robust, yet heterogenous world BACS market.
Increased funding for BSR announced
Within plans for next generation of new towns.
New Towns Taskforce interim policy statement
With initial reactions to the 6 month policy update.
Heritage, industry and slavery
Interpretation must tell the story accurately.
PM announces Building safety and fire move to MHCLG
Following recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry report.
Conserving the ruins of a great Elizabethan country house.
BSRIA European air conditioning market update 2024
Highs, lows and discrepancy rates in the annual demand.
50 years celebrating the ECA Apprenticeship Awards
As SMEs say the 10 years of the Apprenticeship Levy has failed them.
Nominations sought for CIOB awards
Celebrating construction excellence in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
EPC consultation in context: NCM, SAP, SBEM and HEM
One week to respond to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings framework.
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February