Rental Guide
How to Choose the Right Office Size
How to Calculate Floor Area Per Person Correctly
The formula for calculating space per person, plus allowances for meeting rooms, a pantry, and future team growth.
The Basic Space-Per-Person Formula
Standard
9–11
sqm / person
All staff in office every day; comfortable working space including circulation areas.
HYBRID / HOT DESK
6–8
sqm / person
Rotating attendance or budget-constrained; desks may be hot-desked.
⚠ These are not rigid rules — some offices go as low as 5–6 sqm/person to cut costs, but it can feel cramped. The right figure depends on work style and company culture.
🧮 Sample Calculation
Team of 20 people, in office every day, with 1 meeting room + pantry
Workstations — 20 people × 10 sqm
200 sqm
Meeting room for 8–10 seats (recommended 20–25 sqm)
25 sqm
Pantry / break area
10 sqm
Buffer for team growth over 1–2 years (+10–20%)
~23 sqm
Recommended Total Area
~250–260 sqm
Space to Budget Beyond Workstations
🗓 Meeting Rooms
Allow 15–25 sqm per room (8–10 seats). Teams of 10–20 should have at least 1 room; larger teams are advised to plan for 2.
🍳 Pantry / Break Area
Allow 8–15 sqm for a fridge, microwave, and dining table. Improves staff wellbeing noticeably.
🖨 Print / Copy Room
Allow 5–8 sqm for printers and document storage. Some offices integrate this into the main workspace.
📈 Growth Buffer
If you expect 20–30% headcount growth over 3 years (your lease term), build that in now — otherwise you may need to relocate before the lease ends.
Approximate Office Size by Team
✅ Tips from Real Experience
• Don't over-size — renting too large means paying unnecessary rent. Start with what you need now.
• Serviced offices offer more flexibility — if your team size isn't settled yet, a serviced office with monthly adjustments is better than a 3-year traditional lease.
• Inspect the actual floor — don't rely on numbers alone — some buildings measure area including pillars and corridors, so usable space is less than the contract states. Always measure in person.
• Don't underestimate meeting room needs — if you have 20 people who meet frequently, plan for at least 2 meeting rooms.
Where this fits — and what to read next
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