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Plot Coverage Calculator

Work out plot coverage instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Plot Coverage Calculator

Ground coverage is the building footprint as a percentage of the plot. Planning codes limit it independently of floor space index so that open space, light, ventilation and drainage are preserved at ground level even where extra height is allowed.

Formulas

Coverage

Coverage percent = ground floor footprint / plot area x 100

Permitted footprint

Allowed m² = plot area x permitted coverage

Worked example

With the default values below, Plot Coverage Calculator returns Ground coverage achieved of 40.00%. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Plot areaminimum 0.1 m²
500 m²
Ground floor footprintminimum 0 m²
200 m²
Permitted ground coverageaccepts 1–100 %
50 %

Results

Ground coverage achieved
40.00% %
Footprint permitted
250.0 m²
Footprint still available
50.0 m²
Compliance
Within the permitted ground coverage

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Coverage
  3. 3Permitted footprint
  4. 4Ground coverage achieved= 40.00 %
  5. 5Footprint permitted= 250.0 m²
  6. 6Footprint still available= 50.0 m²
  7. 7Compliance= Within the permitted ground coverage

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.
  • Preliminary estimate only. Coverage definitions and permitted limits must be confirmed against local development control regulations.

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

Preliminary estimate only. Coverage definitions and permitted limits must be confirmed against local development control regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Plot Coverage figure worked out?

Coverage percent = ground floor footprint / plot area x 100. Ground coverage is the building footprint as a percentage of the plot.

How does coverage interact with FSI?

Coverage caps the footprint and FSI caps the total area, so together they set a minimum number of floors. A tight coverage limit with a generous FSI forces a taller, slimmer building.

What values do I need to enter?

This calculator takes 3 inputs: Plot area, Ground floor footprint, Permitted ground coverage. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic worked example — replace them with your own site or project figures.

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