Office Space Calculator: How Much Space Does Your Company Really Need?
Commercial real estate is notoriously difficult to plan for, and lease agreements are among the least flexible legal documents a business will ever sign. To position yourself for success, use the calculator and guidelines below to estimate your square footage needs. Then, connect with a commercial real estate advocate who can help you refine your vision and develop a strategy that prioritizes both flexibility and long-term goals.
Common Benchmarks in Office Space Planning
Traditionally, companies have used the following rough square footage ranges as a starting point:
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Open office layouts: 125–175 square feet per employee.
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Traditional office layouts (with private offices): 200–250 square feet per employee.
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High-density layouts (tech, call centers): 100–150 square feet per employee.
Needed CRE Footprint
Formula: (Headcount × SF/Person) × (1 + Shared %) × (1 + Growth %). Enter values, then click Calculate.
Factors That Shape Office Space Planning
Work Style and Culture
Collaborative environments often prioritize shared areas, while professional services may emphasize private offices.
Industry Standards
Law firms, consulting practices, and financial institutions frequently require more square footage per person than tech companies or creative firms.
Amenities and Shared Spaces
Conference rooms, training areas, kitchens, and storage facilities can significantly contribute to overall space requirements.
Hybrid or Full-Time Office Work
With flexible schedules, some organizations reduce square footage by planning around peak in-office occupancy rather than total headcount. If employees are in the office 3 days a week, Keyser’s recommendation is to account for them as a full-time office worker.
Future Growth
Many companies include additional capacity in their office space planning or negotiate flexible lease terms to prepare for expansion.
Beyond the Numbers
While square footage benchmarks provide a useful baseline, the most successful office space planning goes further. It balances culture, productivity, employee experience, and long-term growth. The goal is not just fitting desks into an office but creating an environment that supports both current operations and future strategy.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. It does not provide legal, financial, or investment advice.
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