06/10/2026
5,000 SF Isn't Always 5,000 SF
CRE 101: What is the Difference Between Rentable Square Feet and Usable Square Feet?
When evaluating office space, one of the most overlooked details is the difference between Rentable Square Feet (RSF) and Usable Square Feet (USF).
Usable Square Feet is the space your business actually occupies and uses exclusively, such as offices, conference rooms, break rooms, and workstations.
Rentable Square Feet includes your usable space plus a portion of the building's common areas, such as lobbies, hallways, restrooms, and shared amenities.
For example:
A tenant may lease 5,000 RSF but only have 4,300 USF of actual usable space. The difference is known as the building's "load factor."
Why it matters:
Two office spaces may appear to be the same size on paper, but one building could have a higher load factor, meaning you're paying rent on more shared space and receiving less usable area for your business.
Before comparing lease options, it's important to understand how much space you'll actually be able to use—not just the rentable square footage listed in the brochure.
Have you ever toured a space that felt smaller than the square footage suggested?
Have questions about CRE? Jack Gordon is happy to help. Reach out directly!