Enter the total lot area (ft^2) and the total area occupied by the building to calculate the lot coverage percentage.

## Lot Coverage Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the lot coverage percentage.

LC = BA / LA *100
• Where LC is the lot coverage percentage
• BA is the total buildings area. This is the sum of the areas of all buildings on the lot.
• LA is the total lot area

To calculate lot coverage, divide the total building area by the total lot area, then multiply by 100.

## Lot Coverage Definition

Lot coverage is a term used in real estate to describe the ratio or percentage of a lot area that is covered by building area. The maximum lot coverage shouldn’t exceed 100% often. In cases where they do, that means buildings are extended onto other lots.

## Example Problem

How to calculate lot coverage?

1. First, determine the total lot area.

In this example, we are looking at a waterfront property along the New Jersey coast. The total lot area is found to be 10,000 square feet (ft^2).

2. Next, determine the area of each individual building on the lot.

There are 3 buildings found on this lot with areas of 1,000, 4,000, and 1200 square feet respectively.

3. Next, add all of the building areas together into one total building area.

This yields a total area of 6,200 square feet.

4. Finally, calculate the lot coverage ratio.

Using the formula L = BA/LA *100, the lot coverage is found to be 6,200/10,000 * 100 = 62%.

## FAQ

What is included in lot coverage?

Lot coverage includes any area that is covered by a building or permanent structure. This could include houses, sheds, garages, pools, driveways, park garages, etc.

Is lot coverage the same as floor to area ratio?

A lot coverage is the ratio of the total building footprint to the total lot area, while the floor to area ratio is the ratio of the total area of all floors of a building compared to a lot.

In the case of floor to area ratios, the ratio is often higher than 1 or 100% because there are multiple floors on a single lot area.

What is the maximum lot coverage?

The maximum lot coverage of a parcel of land will be determined by the zoning and permit laws of the area in which the land resides.