Floor Space Index (FSI) Importance & Calculation The Floor Space Index (FSI), also known as the Floor Area Ratio, is one of the most important aspects of real estate (FAR). The maximum area of a piece of land that will be developed is referred to as the FSI. The ratio of floor area covered to available land is expressed as FSI. The FSI is set by local regulatory bodies or authorities and is typically based on the Building Code. The National Building Code of India typically provides guidelines for building construction. The FSI can be used to determine the desirability and population density of a location. Understanding the FSI is also important from an environmental standpoint. Homebuyers must consider this because there are typically fewer open spaces when the FSI is high.
Understanding the Terms FSI and FAR The terms FAR and FSI have the same meaning but are spelled differently. A FAR, for example, is a decimal expression, whereas an FSI is a percentage. The FSI may vary from one city to the next, and even within a single city from one locality to the next. FSI may vary even within a single location depending on the number of stories in the building. The FSI is determined by the city zone, building type, and other factors. Before beginning any project, contractors must submit building plans to the appropriate zone for approval. These particulars include whether the building will be residential or commercial, its height and structure, the size of the plot of land on which it will be built, and so on. The main factor influencing the FSI is its location. Because of the limited space, the FSI is typically higher in metro areas. However, due to the vast amount of land available for development, FSI may be low in rural areas.