1. What is Floor Area Ratio (FAR)?

Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is a key urban planning metric that represents the ratio of a building's total floor area to the size of the piece of land upon which it is built. It's used by municipalities to control building density and urban development.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple FAR formula:

Where:

• \( Total\ Floor\ Area \) — Sum of all floor areas in the building (sqft)
• \( Lot\ Area \) — Total area of the land parcel (sqft)

Explanation: FAR determines how much floor space can be built on a given lot. A FAR of 1.0 means the total floor area equals the lot area, while 2.0 means twice the floor area of the lot (could be a 2-story building covering the entire lot).

3. Importance of FAR Calculation

Details: FAR is crucial for urban planning as it helps control population density, infrastructure needs, and the character of neighborhoods. It affects property values, construction feasibility, and zoning compliance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total floor area and lot area in the same units (typically square feet). Both values must be positive numbers. The result is a unitless ratio.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical FAR value?
A: FAR values vary by location and zoning. Residential areas might have FAR 0.5-2.0, while dense urban areas might allow FAR 5.0 or higher.

Q2: Does FAR include underground space?
A: Typically no - FAR usually only includes above-grade floors. Basements may or may not be included depending on local regulations.

Q3: How does FAR differ from building coverage?
A: Building coverage is the footprint percentage of the lot, while FAR considers total floor area across all floors.

Q4: Can FAR be greater than 1?
A: Yes, FAR can be any positive number. Values greater than 1 indicate multi-story buildings.

Q5: How is FAR used in zoning?
A: Municipalities set maximum FAR values to control development density. Developers must design projects within these limits.