What is Floor Space Index, Formula & Why is it Important?

The floor space index plays a key role in maintaining population density in urban areas and city planning. Floor space index is expressed in the form of a ratio between floor area and plot area. This is also known as Floor Area Ratio in some locations.

Floor space index is a value derived from a comparison done between a building's total floor area and plot area. This helps engineers to calculate the maximum number of floors that can be built on that piece of land. The area taken up by floors is also known as the built-up area.

Going forward in this blog, you will also know the key deciding factors and importance of floor space index. You will also be given the formula and illustration on the same for better understanding.

Learn more about Digit's Property Insurance plans and policy.

Premium floor space index is applicable to those plots which have an adjacent main road. Here, the width of the road is also considered while calculating floor space index of that plot. However, there are some conditions regarding premium floor space index, which are mandatorily followed by the constructors. They are as follows:

• The minimum width of the road must be of 30 feet.
• If width of the road is anywhere between 30 ft. and 40 ft., then constructors can avail of 20% more FSI.
• When the width of the road is around 40 to 60 ft., constructors can have 30% more floor space index.
• If the width of the adjacent road exceeds 60 ft., a builder can have 40% more FSI.

Floor space index is a piece of knowledge, which is equally important for buyers and real estate developers. The value of FSI is calculated and determined by the local municipalities for a plot of land. Usually, the larger the plot, the higher the building construction. So, there is a chance that you will have a higher number of neighbours who will share the same amenities as you, such as parks, jogging area, gaming centre, sports club, gym, and elevators living in a project with high FSI.

FSI differs from one city to another, but it will not exceed the maximum limit of 2.5. FSI is determined keeping in mind the population density of that area, open spaces, environmental effect on the surroundings and occurrence frequency of natural disasters.

Given factors affect the floor area ratio of a particular plot of land.

• Area of the plot
• Population density of that area
• Accessibility to water, electricity, and sewage
• Type of building, residential or commercial
• Availability of open space
• Environmental impact of the real-estate
• Eventuality and readiness in time of natural disaster

While determining the floor space index of construction, there are two major components. They are basic and fungible floor space indexes. Accumulation of these two decides the maximum legitimate FSI for a particular plot.

Basic FSI: This variation comes free of cost

Fungible FSI: This has to be bought from the local municipal authority. This is decided depending on the Ready Reckoner Rate or Circle Rate of that area as determined by the local authority. This is what makes the difference between the FSIs of different cities.