FAR (or FSI in Mumbai) determines how much building you can construct on a plot. It varies by city, zone, and building height and is the single most important number in Indian urban housing economics.
FAR sets the ceiling on what a developer can sell and what an architect can design. Get it wrong and the project becomes financially unviable or illegal.
FAR originated in 1916 New York zoning to limit skyscraper bulk, then spread globally. India formalised it in city-level Development Control Regulations starting in the 1960s, with major liberalisation (premium FAR, TDR) from the 2000s onward.
Key points
- •FAR 1.0 = built-up area equals plot area.
- •Varies by city: Mumbai 1.33–5.0 (with TDR), Bangalore 1.75–3.25, Delhi 1.2–3.5.
- •Premium FAR can often be purchased from the development authority.
- •Common areas, parking, and service shafts are usually excluded.
Use cases for architects
Common mistakes
- ✗Confusing built-up area with carpet area in FAR calculation.
- ✗Forgetting that balconies and stilts may or may not count, depending on the city.
Cadbull's plan tools auto-calculate FAR utilisation against your selected city's bylaw.
Try it nowFrequently asked questions
Is FAR the same in every Indian city?
No. Each Development Authority sets its own bylaw. Always check the local DCR.
What is the difference between FAR and FSI?
Functionally identical. Mumbai and several other municipalities use 'FSI'; most North Indian DCRs say 'FAR'. The number means the same thing.
Does balcony area count toward FAR?
City-dependent. In Mumbai, open balconies up to a cap are FAR-free; in Delhi they often count. Check your local DCR before locking the design.