How Much Office Space Do I Need?

So, how much office space do you need? Knowing the exact number will make your search for the perfect building much, much easier. As a general rule, you should allow between 175 to 250 usable square feet per person of office space. This figure can vary, however, based upon special needs such as extra-large conference rooms or storage requirements.

The following standards can be used to help estimate the amount of usable office space is required for your business:

Typical President's office

250 to 400 sq. ft. (4 to 5 windows in length)

Typical Vice President's Office

150 to 250 sq. ft. (3 to 4 windows in length)

Typical Executive's Office

100 to 150 sq. ft. (2 widows in length)

Partitioned Open Space (CLERICAL SUPERVISOR / MANAGER)

80 to 110 sq. ft.

Open Space (CLERICAL / SECRETARY)

60 to 110 sq. ft.

Conference Rooms

15 sq. ft. per person (Theater Style)
25 to 30 sq. ft. per person (Conference Seating)

Reception Area

125 to 200 sq. ft. (Receptionist and 2 - 4 people)
200 to 300 sq. ft. (Receptionist and 6 - 8 people)

File Room

7 sq. ft. per file with a 3' to 4' aisle width

Library

Allow 12" for bookshelf width
175 to 450 sq. ft. (Seating for 4 - 6 people)

Lunch Rooms

15 sq. ft. per person, not including kitchen. Kitchen should be 1/3 to 1/2 of seating area

Coat Closets

1 lineal ft. for 4 coats 3 per person

Water Coolers/Drinking Fountains

1 unit per 75 employees

Corridors

20% to 30% of the total usable area