Loading Factor Calculator

Work out loading factor instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Loading Factor Calculator

Loading factor is how much the saleable area exceeds the carpet area, expressed as a percentage of carpet. Converting the quoted rate to a rate per carpet foot is the only way to compare two projects with different loading, and the difference is usually far larger than any negotiated discount.

Formulas

Loading factor

Loading = saleable area / carpet area - 1

Effective rate

Rate on carpet = total price / carpet area

Worked example

With the default values below, Loading Factor Calculator returns Loading factor of 38.89%. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Carpet areaminimum 0.1 ft²: 900 ft²
Saleable areaminimum 0.1 ft²: 1,250 ft²
Quoted rateminimum 0 per saleable ft²: 6,000 per saleable ft²

Results

Loading factor: 38.89% %
Effective rate on carpet area: $8,333.33
Loaded area: 350.0 ft²
Total price: $7,500,000.00

Step by step

1Values used
2Loading factor
3Effective rate
4Loading factor= 38.89 %
5Effective rate on carpet area= 8,333.33
6Loaded area= 350.0 ft²
7Total price= 7,500,000.00

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 3 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Loading Factor figure worked out?

Loading = saleable area / carpet area - 1. Loading factor is how much the saleable area exceeds the carpet area, expressed as a percentage of carpet.

Is there a legal limit on loading?

Several jurisdictions now require carpet area to be disclosed and prices to be quoted on it, but the loading itself is not capped. Disclosure is the protection, not a limit.

What values do I need to enter?

This calculator takes 3 inputs: Carpet area, Saleable area, Quoted rate. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic worked example — replace them with your own site or project figures.