Quick answer: Plan on 70 to 150 square feet of usable space per person. Dense open layouts run 50 to 70. Mostly private layouts run 150 to 200. Then add about 25% for hallways, storage, and support space.
How Much Office Space Do I Need Per Person?
The right number depends on how your team works. Use these starting points for usable square feet per person:
- Dense open layout: 50 to 70 sq ft
- Typical mixed office: 70 to 150 sq ft
- Mostly private offices: 150 to 200 sq ft
What Is the Formula for Office Square Footage?
- Multiply headcount by square feet per person.
- Add 25% for circulation, storage, and support space.
- Add growth headroom of 15% or 30%, depending on how fast you expect to hire.
Our office space calculator runs these steps for you.
What Does a Sample Calculation Look Like?
Take a 20-person office with a typical mixed layout.
- Usable space: 20 x 70 to 150 = 1,400 to 3,000 sq ft
- Plus 25% for circulation and support: about 1,750 to 3,750 sq ft
- Plus 15% growth headroom: about 2,010 to 4,310 sq ft
That is a wide range, and that is normal. Where you land in it depends on how many private offices and meeting rooms you need.
What Is the Difference Between Usable and Rentable Square Feet?
Usable square feet is the space you can actually use. Rentable square feet is what a landlord bills you for. Rentable adds a share of shared areas such as lobbies and restrooms, called a load factor. When you compare leases, convert your usable number to rentable so the two match.
How Do I Make a Layout Fit?
- Choose open workstations for teams that collaborate all day.
- Save private offices for roles that need them.
- Leave clear walkways so people can move without squeezing past desks.
- Plan storage up front so files do not take over desk space.
We build a free 3D layout so you can see it before you buy. When you are ready to price the furniture, try the budget calculator or read how we furnish a space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many square feet per employee is standard?
Most offices use 70 to 150 usable square feet per person.
How much space does an open office need?
Dense open layouts run 50 to 70 square feet per person.
Why add 25% to the total?
The extra 25% covers hallways, storage, and support space that are not desks.
How much growth room should I plan for?
Use 15% for steady growth or 30% if you expect to hire quickly.
Do you plan layouts?
Yes. We create a free 3D layout with every quote.
Get a Free Layout and Quote
Send us your headcount and floor plan. We will draw a free 3D layout and reply within two business days. Request a free quote or stop by our showroom.
Have a question this did not answer?
Call 614.332.1828 and ask a person. We have been doing this for twenty years and we will give you a straight answer.