Find out how much you are paying for common areas vs actual usable carpet area. Compare properties fairly on a per sq ft carpet area basis.
Loading % & Effective Cost Calculator
Enter the super built-up area, carpet area, and price to see how much you're really paying.
Under RERA Section 13, promoters must price and sell apartments on carpet area basis only. Use this calculator to compare any two properties fairly.
Loading Percentage
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Carpet
Loading
Compare Two Properties
Enter details for two properties to find which is better value on a carpet area basis.
Property A
Property B
What is Loading Percentage?
When a developer advertises a flat as "1,000 sq ft", they usually mean the super built-up area (SBA) — which includes your proportionate share of common areas like the lobby, staircases, lifts, and gym. The area you can actually use inside your flat is the carpet area, which is always smaller.
Loading percentage tells you how much bigger the SBA is compared to the carpet area. It is calculated as:
Loading % = (Super Built-Up Area − Carpet Area) ÷ Carpet Area × 100
A loading of 30% means for every 100 sq ft of carpet area you use, you are also paying for 30 sq ft of common areas.
Loading % Reference Table
Loading %
What It Means
Verdict
Below 20%
Very efficient design, minimal common areas
Excellent
20% – 30%
Well-designed project with reasonable common areas
Good
30% – 40%
Average — typical for mid-range projects
Acceptable
40% – 50%
High loading — scrutinise what common areas justify this
Caution
Above 50%
Very high — you are paying for nearly as much common area as usable space
Red Flag
RERA and Loading: What Every Agent Must Know
Before RERA, many promoters sold flats on SBA basis with loading percentages as high as 60–70%. This meant buyers were paying for space they could never use. RERA ended this practice. Under Section 13, all agreements for sale must state the carpet area as defined in Section 2(k), and pricing must be on carpet area basis.
As a registered agent, you must be able to convert any price a promoter quotes on SBA to the equivalent carpet area price. If a promoter quotes ₹8,000/sq ft on SBA and the loading is 40%, the effective carpet area price is ₹11,200/sq ft — 40% more than what appears on the brochure.
This is frequently tested in the MahaRERA IBPS exam. Questions often ask agents to calculate the loading percentage or identify which promoter practice violates Section 13.
Loading % is an Exam Topic
The MahaRERA IBPS exam tests your ability to calculate loading percentages and identify RERA violations related to carpet area pricing. Practice with 900+ questions.
Loading percentage is the difference between super built-up area and carpet area, expressed as a percentage of carpet area. It shows how much extra area you pay for beyond what you can actually use inside your flat.
What is a reasonable loading percentage in Maharashtra?
Typical loading ranges from 20% to 35% for well-designed projects in Maharashtra. Anything above 40% should be carefully scrutinised. Ask the promoter to justify what common amenities account for the high loading.
Can a promoter charge on super built-up area under RERA?
No. Under RERA Section 13, all sale agreements must state carpet area and pricing must be on carpet area basis. If a promoter quotes price per sq ft on SBA, ask them to convert it to the carpet area price before you compare with other projects.
How does RERA define carpet area?
Section 2(k) defines carpet area as net usable floor area including internal partition walls, but excluding external walls, areas under service shafts, exclusive balcony or verandah area, and exclusive open terrace area.
How do I compare two properties fairly?
Always compare on a per sq ft carpet area basis. Divide total price by carpet area for each property. Use the comparison tool above to do this instantly. The property with the lower price per sq ft carpet area is the better value — regardless of SBA or loading.
Is loading percentage tested in the MahaRERA IBPS exam?
Yes. The exam tests agents on carpet area definitions (Section 2(k)), RERA pricing rules (Section 13), and the ability to calculate effective costs. Questions may ask you to identify which transaction violates Section 13 or to calculate the carpet area cost from an SBA-quoted price.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. Results are based on standard calculations using inputs you provide. Actual property measurements, pricing, and loading may vary. Always verify carpet area and all terms in the registered Agreement for Sale. This tool does not constitute legal or financial advice.