GSF

Definition

Gross Square Feet of Building Area.

Purpose

GSF measures the total floor area of a building, including all spaces within the exterior walls, used for planning, design, and real estate valuation.

Examples of Use

• Architectural Design: Calculating the GSF to determine the overall size and layout of a building.
• Real Estate: Assessing property value based on the total square footage.
• Building Codes: Ensuring compliance with zoning laws and regulations that specify allowable building sizes.

Related Terms

• Net Square Feet (NSF): The usable floor area within a building, excluding walls, stairs, and other non-usable spaces.
• Building Footprint: The area of land a building occupies.
• Floor Area Ratio (FAR): The ratio of a building's total floor area to the size of the land parcel it is built on.

Notes

Accurate calculation of GSF is essential for proper building design, compliance with regulations, and fair property assessment.