Work out occupancy density instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Occupancy density is expressed either as area per person or persons per unit area, and both are needed: facilities teams work in square feet per person, while ventilation and fire codes are written as persons per square metre. Converting between them is a matter of unit arithmetic, not judgement.
Density
Area per person = floor area / occupants; persons per 100 m² = occupants x 100 / area in m²
Area per person = floor area / occupants; persons per 100 m² = occupants x 100 / area in m². Occupancy density is expressed either as area per person or persons per unit area, and both are needed: facilities teams work in square feet per person, while ventilation and fire codes are written as persons per square metre.
It drives ventilation rate, cooling load, toilet provision, lift capacity and escape width. Increasing density without revisiting those systems is how a refurbishment ends up non-compliant.
This calculator takes 2 inputs: Number of occupants, Floor area. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic worked example — replace them with your own site or project figures.