Definition
Definition
Finished area above grade, from the outside walls.
Also called: GLA, living area
What it means
GLA leaves out everything below grade, garages and unfinished space. Stairs count on the floor they go down from. It is the number US appraisers and most listings use for the size of a house.
Example
Example
1,200 + 900 = 2,100 sq ft
- Ground floor
- 1,200 sq ft
- Upper floor
- 900 sq ft
- GLA
- 2,100 sq ft
Not included: basement 1,000 sq ft and garage 440 sq ft, reported separately.
Compared with other terms
| Term | What it includes |
|---|---|
| Gross living area (GLA) | Finished area above grade, from the outside walls. |
| Above grade | Space with the floor at or above the ground outside. |
| Below grade | Any level that is partly under the ground. |
| Finished area | Floors, walls and ceilings finished like the rest of the house. |
| ANSI Z765 | The US standard for measuring single-family homes. |