# Workstation Density: Square Feet per Person

> Workstation density is the usable office area allocated per person, usually expressed in square feet of carpet area per seat. It includes each person's share of circulation, meeting rooms and support spaces, not just the desk they sit at.

## Why it matters

Density is the number that turns a floor plate into a headcount — and a
headcount into a lease decision. Get it wrong and a company either pays for
space it cannot use or signs for a floor that cannot hold its team.

## How it works in practice

| Density (sq ft carpet / person) | Typical use |
| --- | --- |
| Below 60 | Very dense — call centres, back offices |
| 60 – 80 | Efficient corporate |
| 80 – 100 | Standard corporate with good support space |
| Above 100 | Premium or cabin-heavy offices |

## Common mistakes

- **Measuring on chargeable area.** Density must use carpet area.
- **Counting desks only.** Meeting rooms and support space are part of the total.
- **Ignoring egress.** Denser floors need more exit capacity.

## Standards referenced

Occupant load and exits under **NBC 2016, Part 4**.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is a typical density for an Indian office?

Corporate offices commonly plan somewhere between 60 and 100 sq ft of carpet area per person once meeting rooms, circulation and support areas are included. Dense call centres go lower; premium corporate headquarters go higher.

### Why does density affect fire safety?

More people on a floor means a higher occupant load, which increases the required exit width and can affect travel distance and escape provisions under NBC 2016 Part 4.

## Sources

- [NBC 2016, Part 4](https://www.bis.gov.in/standards/national-building-code/?lang=en) — Occupant load and means of egress

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Source: https://hagerstone.com/glossary/workstation-density