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Living space calculator

Calculate the countable living area under the WoFlV from a list of rooms - with sloped ceilings, balconies and non-countable areas, plus a factor and rationale per room.

Available

Inputs

Enter values

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Räume

Für jeden Raum Grundfläche und Raumart erfassen; bei Dachschrägen die Höhenanteile.

1/8

Raum 1

m²
iNur bei Dachschräge.
%

Nur bei Dachschräge.

iNur bei Dachschräge.
%

Nur bei Dachschräge.

iNur bei zulässiger Spanne, z. B. Außenflächen (0–0,5).

Nur bei zulässiger Spanne, z. B. Außenflächen (0–0,5).

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Explanation

How Living space calculator works

The living space calculator determines the countable living area under the Living Space Ordinance. For each room, the floor area, room type and - for sloped ceilings - the height shares are recorded. The legal values come from a central, versioned reference.

Counting by height

Height countingFläche ≥ 2 m × 1 + Fläche 1–2 m × 0,5 + Fläche < 1 m × 0

Section 4 no. 1 and no. 2 WoFlV.

Special areas

Outdoor areasGrundfläche × Faktor (i. d. R. 0,25, höchstens 0,5)

Section 4 no. 4 WoFlV for a balcony, loggia, roof garden and terrace.

Practice

Practical examples

Attic room with a sloped ceiling

20 m2 floor area, of which 60 % at full height (>= 2 m) and 30 % between 1 m and under 2 m, the rest under 1 m.

Result: Countable are 12 m2 in full plus 3 m2 at half, i.e. 15 m2 of the 20 m2 floor area.

Balcony under the WoFlV

8 m2 balcony, counted under section 4 no. 4 WoFlV usually at a quarter.

Result: Countable are 2 m2 (a quarter of 8 m2); at most a half would be permissible.

Notes

Common mistakes

  • Sloped ceiling counted in full

    A room with a slope is counted entirely as living area.

    Count the height shares separately under section 4 WoFlV: from 2 m in full, 1-2 m at half, below that not at all.

  • Balcony counted in full

    The entire balcony area is counted as living area.

    Balconies usually count at a quarter, at most at a half.

  • Cellar as living area

    Ancillary rooms such as the cellar or garage are counted.

    Ancillary rooms under section 2(3) WoFlV do not belong to the living area.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What does the living space calculator compute?

It determines the countable living area under the Living Space Ordinance (Wohnflaechenverordnung) from a list of rooms and shows the factor used per room together with a rationale.

On what basis does it calculate?

Solely on the basis of the Living Space Ordinance (sections 2-4 WoFlV). The legal values come from a central, dated reference with a status and validity.

How are sloped ceilings taken into account?

Areas with a clear height of at least 2 m count in full, from 1 m to under 2 m at half and under 1 m not at all. You state the height shares per room.

How are balconies and terraces counted?

Balconies, loggias, roof gardens and terraces count under section 4 no. 4 WoFlV usually at a quarter, at most at a half. The permissible factor is limited accordingly.

Which areas do not count towards the living area?

Ancillary rooms such as the cellar, laundry room, boiler room, drying room and garages are not living area under section 2(3) WoFlV and are not counted.

How is a conservatory treated?

An unheatable conservatory as well as a swimming pool count under section 4 no. 3 WoFlV at half. Heatable conservatories can count in full; such cases require review.

Can I enter my own factor?

Only for room types with a technically permissible range, such as outdoor areas. The calculator limits the entry to the range permitted under the WoFlV.

What does the marking as requiring review mean?

Special cases such as outdoor areas, conservatories or swimming pools depend on the specific circumstances. The calculator flags them so that you review them case by case.

Why does the living area differ from the floor area?

The floor area is the measured floor surface. The living area takes into account height ranges, outdoor areas and non-countable rooms and is therefore usually smaller.

Does the Living Space Ordinance always apply?

For privately financed housing, the earlier Second Calculation Ordinance (II. Berechnungsverordnung) or a contractual agreement may also apply. The calculator uses the WoFlV as the basis common today.

Is this a binding area determination?

No. The calculator does not claim a binding legal area determination. A measurement by qualified professionals and the contractual agreements are decisive.

Limits

Limitations

  • Calculation solely under the WoFlV; differing contractual or older bases are not reflected.
  • Special cases such as outdoor areas, conservatories and swimming pools are flagged as requiring review.
  • No binding legal area determination; a professional measurement and the contract are decisive.

Sources

Sources and references

  • Wohnflächenverordnung (WoFlV)Bundesministerium der Justiz / Bundesamt für Justiz

    Official ordinance for calculating the countable living area (sections 2-4 WoFlV), in force since 1 January 2004.

    View source
  • § 556 BGB – Vereinbarungen über BetriebskostenBundesministerium der Justiz / Bundesamt für Justiz

    Official basis for allocating operating and service charges in residential tenancies.

    View source
  • Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV)Bundesministerium der Justiz / Bundesamt für Justiz

    Official list of the allocable types of operating costs as the basis of the service-charge items.

    View source