12 terms
Glossary
Every term we use for measuring homes, in plain words. From above grade to usable floor area.
Terms by letter
Pick a letter
- Above grade
- Space with the floor at or above the ground outside.
- ANSI Z765
- The US standard for measuring single-family homes.
- Appraisal
- An estimate of value that uses the GLA of the home.
- Below grade
- Any level that is partly under the ground.
- Finished area
- Floors, walls and ceilings finished like the rest of the house.
- Floor plan
- A drawing of the rooms of one floor, seen from above.
- Gross floor area
- The whole floor area, measured to the outside of the exterior walls.
- Gross living area (GLA)
- Finished area above grade, from the outside walls.
- NEN 2580
- The Dutch standard for measuring floor area.
- Sloped ceiling
- Only the part at least 5 ft high counts under ANSI Z765.
- Square footage
- Area in square feet: length times width.
- Usable floor area
- Gebruiksoppervlakte in Dutch: the floor area measured on the inside of the outer walls.
No term matches. Try another word, or pick a letter.
Guides
Guides that use these terms
- Read the guide →
ANSI Z765 rules
What counts toward gross living area, and what is reported separately.
- Read the guide →
How to measure square footage
Step by step, room by room.
- Read the guide →
Bedroom sizes
Common and minimum sizes, drawn to scale.
- Start drawing →
Floor plan maker
Draw your rooms to scale and see every area.
Start with your first floor plan
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