Enter the usable square footage (ft^2) and the pro-rata share of the common areas of the building (ft^2) into the Calculator. The calculator will evaluate the Rentable Square Footage. 

Rentable Square Footage Formula

RSF = USF + PRC

Variables:

  • RSF is the Rentable Square Footage (ft^2)
  • USF is the usable square footage (ft^2)
  • PRC is the pro-rata share of the common areas of the building (ft^2)

To calculate Rentable Square Footage, add the usable square footage to the pro-rata share of the common areas of the building.

How to Calculate Rentable Square Footage?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Rentable Square Footage.


  1. First, determine the usable square footage (ft^2). 
  2. Next, determine the pro-rata share of the common areas of the building (ft^2). 
  3. Next, gather the formula from above = RSF = USF + PRC.
  4. Finally, calculate the Rentable Square Footage.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

usable square footage (ft^2) = 2000

pro-rata share of the common areas of the building (ft^2) = 300

FAQ

What is the difference between usable square footage and rentable square footage?

Usable square footage refers to the actual space a tenant can occupy and use exclusively, such as an office or retail space. Rentable square footage includes the usable square footage plus a pro-rata share of the building’s common areas, like lobbies, restrooms, and hallways, which all tenants use.

Why is understanding rentable square footage important for tenants?

Understanding rentable square footage is crucial for tenants because it affects the total rent they will pay. Rent is often calculated based on rentable square footage, not just the usable space, so knowing the difference can help tenants budget effectively and compare rental options more accurately.

How is the pro-rata share of common areas calculated?

The pro-rata share of common areas is typically calculated based on the tenant’s percentage of the total usable square footage of the building. For example, if a tenant occupies 10% of the usable space, they would pay for 10% of the common areas in addition to their exclusive space.

Can rentable square footage change over time?

Yes, rentable square footage can change if the building undergoes renovations or reconfigurations that affect the size of common areas or the allocation of space. Tenants should be aware of these potential changes as they can impact rental costs.