The general rule of thumb is to allow 175 to 250 usable square feet per person depending upon the type and style of the business. This figure can vary based upon special needs such as extra-large conference rooms or storage requirements, but will include normal amenities within a general use office. For an accurate determination of space requirements, an office space planner should be consulted.

The following standards can be used to help estimate the amount of usable space required for your business.

Typical President' s office or Chairman of the Board
250 to 400 sq. ft. (4 to 5 windows in length)

Typical Vice-President' s Office
150 to 250 sq. ft. (3 to 4 windows in length)

Typical Executive' s Office
100 to 150 sq. ft. (2 widows in length)

Partitioned Open Space
Clerical Supervisor or Manager 80 to 110 sq. ft.

Open Space
Clerical or Secretary 60 to 110 sq. ft.

Conference Rooms
15 sq. ft. per person: theater style
25 to 30 sq. ft. per person: conference seating

Mail Room
8 to 9 ft. wide with 30" counters on either side. Length depends upon amount of usage

Reception Area
125 to 200 sq. ft. Receptionist and 2 - 4 people
200 to 300 sq. ft. Receptionist and 6 - 8 people

File Room
7 sq. ft. per file with a 3' to 4' aisle width

Library
Allow 12" for bookshelf width
175 to 450 sq. ft. with seating for 4 - 6

Lunch Rooms
15 sq. ft. per person, not including kitchen. Kitchen should be 1/3 to 1/2 of seating area

Clerical Pool Areas
80 to 100 sq. ft. per person

Corridors
20% to 30% of the total usable area

Coat Closets
1 lineal ft. for 4 coats 3 per person

Water Coolers/Drinking Fountains
1 unit per 75 employees

Suggested Column Spacing
28' to 30' per bay

Suggested Window Mullion Spacing
4'6" to 5'. This determines office width