FAR & BCR Calculator

Site

Site Area Unit (note: ratios are unitless)

Ensure all inputs use the same unit; ratios are unitless so units cancel out.

Zone & Limits

Building Type (Zone) FAR Limit (%) BCR Limit (%)

Choose the applicable zone and the corresponding maximum allowed limits.

FAR (Floor Area Ratio)

Use per-floor areas (instead of a single total)

Total Floor Area

Formula: FAR = Total Floor Area / Site Area

BCR (Building Coverage Ratio)

Use multiple buildings (sum of footprints)

Building Footprint Area

Formula: BCR = Building Footprint Area / Site Area

Results

FAR

—

BCR

—

Shown as percentage

Selected FAR limit: — Selected BCR limit: —

FAR & BCR Overview

FAR — Floor Area Ratio

Meaning: total building floor area divided by plot (site) area. FAR is unitless; shown as a ratio (e.g., 2.35) or percentage (e.g., 235%).

Purpose: controls built density and allowable floor area on a site.
Guides massing, height, and number of storeys under zoning capacity.

BCR — Building Coverage Ratio

Meaning: building footprint area divided by plot (site) area. BCR represents the percentage of the site covered at ground level.

Purpose: limits ground-level coverage to ensure open space and drainage.
Supports setbacks, landscaping, access/parking, and stormwater management goals.

Reference: MNBC (2025) Part 1 — Land Use and Building Regulation (Table 1.3). Verify against the latest local authority publication and project-specific conditions.