1. What is Maximum Room Occupancy?

Maximum room occupancy is the greatest number of people permitted to occupy a space based on building codes and safety regulations. It's calculated using floor area and occupant load factors that vary by space use.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the occupancy formula:

Where:

• \( Floor\ Area \) — Total area of the space in square feet
• \( Occupant\ Load\ Factor \) — Area required per person in square feet

Explanation: The result is always rounded down to the nearest whole number since you can't have a fraction of a person.

3. Importance of Occupancy Calculation

Details: Proper occupancy calculation ensures compliance with fire codes, adequate egress capacity, and safe indoor environments. Exceeding maximum occupancy can create dangerous conditions and violate regulations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total floor area in square feet and the appropriate occupant load factor for your space type. Common load factors: 15 sq ft/person for business areas, 7 sq ft/person for standing areas, 30 sq ft/person for dining.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Where do I find occupant load factors?
A: Load factors are specified in building codes like the International Building Code (IBC) and vary by occupancy classification.

Q2: Does this include staff/employees?
A: Yes, the calculation includes all occupants - both staff and visitors/customers.

Q3: How does furniture affect occupancy?
A: Net floor area (excluding fixed furniture and fixtures) should be used for accurate calculations.

Q4: Are there different requirements for different rooms?
A: Yes, assembly spaces, classrooms, restaurants, and offices all have different load factors.

Q5: What about accessible seating requirements?
A: ADA requirements for accessible seating are in addition to the calculated occupancy.