Floor
Space Index (FSI) and Floor Area Ratio (FAR) in India
What is FSI (Floor Space Index)?
- FSI
tells you how much you can build on a piece of land.
- It is
the ratio of total building area to the plot area.
Formula:
[
FSI = \frac{\text{Total Built-up Area}}{\text{Plot Area}}
]
Example:
- Plot
area = 1,000 sq. ft.
- Allowed
FSI = 2.0
- Total
building area allowed = 2,000 sq. ft.
So, the builder can make:
- 2
floors of 1,000 sq. ft. each OR
- 4
floors of 500 sq. ft. each.
What is FAR (Floor Area Ratio)?
- FAR
and FSI are the same.
- In
India, people say FSI. Internationally, it’s called FAR.
just remember: Both mean how much
you can build on land.
Why Does FSI Matter?
- For
buyers: Higher FSI = more flats on the land. This may reduce open
space. Lower FSI = fewer flats, more open space.
- For
builders: FSI decides how many homes they can build and sell.
- For
cities: FSI controls how crowded an area can get.
What Affects FSI in India?
FSI is not the same everywhere. It depends on:
- Location
– Metro cities often allow higher FSI.
- Type
of building – Residential projects may have lower FSI than commercial
ones.
- Road
width – Wider roads usually mean higher FSI.
- Government
rules – Each state and city has its own FSI limits.
Example of FSI Calculation
- Plot
area = 2,000 sq. ft.
- FSI
allowed = 1.5
- Maximum
built-up area = 2,000 × 1.5 = 3,000 sq. ft.
👉 That means the builder
can build 3 floors of 1,000 sq. ft. each OR any other design that totals 3,000
sq. ft.
FSI Rules in India
- Varies
by state: Every state has its own Development Control Regulations
(DCR).
- Premium
FSI: Builders can sometimes buy extra FSI by paying the government.
- Special
zones: IT parks, metro zones, and industrial areas may get higher FSI.
FAQs on FSI and FAR
Q1. Are FSI and FAR different?
👉
No. Both are the same.
Q2. Can builders exceed FSI?
👉
No. It is illegal without government approval.
Q3. Does higher FSI mean better property?
👉
Not always. Higher FSI means more flats, but sometimes less open space.
Q4. How can I check FSI for my property?
👉
You can check with your local municipal office or development authority.
Conclusion
FSI (Floor Space Index) and FAR (Floor Area Ratio) decide how
much construction is allowed on a plot of land.
- For
buyers → It helps you know if a project is too crowded or well-planned.
- For
builders → It decides project size and profit.
- For
cities → It keeps urban growth under control.
