GLA and Measurement Standards · 4 min read

What Counts as GLA (Gross Living Area) in PlanSnapper?

GLA is gross living area: the above-grade finished space in a home that meets minimum ceiling height requirements under ANSI Z765. PlanSnapper is designed to measure GLA, but you control what gets included by choosing what to upload and what perimeter to approve.

The ANSI Z765 definition

Under ANSI Z765, GLA is above-grade finished area where the ceiling height is at least 7 feet over at least 50% of the area. Sloped ceilings (like in finished attics) can count if they meet this threshold. Below-grade space, regardless of how finished it is, is excluded from GLA.

This is the standard used by most real estate appraisers in the United States. It is also what Fannie Mae and most lenders expect when reviewing appraisals.

What counts as GLA

• Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, family rooms
• Kitchens
• Bathrooms and powder rooms
• Hallways, closets, and stairwells (above-grade)
• Finished above-grade space meeting ceiling height requirements
• Heated sunrooms that are connected to the main living area (in most interpretations)

What does NOT count as GLA

• Garages: attached or detached, finished or unfinished
• Basements: below-grade regardless of finish level
• Unfinished attic space: does not count unless finished and meeting ceiling height
• Decks, patios, porches: outdoor or semi-outdoor spaces
• Unheated or unfinished utility spaces
• Below-grade walkout areas: the below-grade portion is excluded

How PlanSnapper handles this

PlanSnapper measures the perimeter you define. It does not know whether a space is a garage, a basement, or a finished bedroom. That distinction is yours to make.

To measure GLA accurately:

• Upload only the floor plan levels that qualify as GLA (above-grade finished floors)
• When the auto perimeter finder detects the exterior walls, make sure the perimeter excludes the garage if it is attached
• Do not upload basement floor plans as GLA levels
• Measure each qualifying level separately and add them together

Learn more

What Is Gross Living Area? and Gross Living Area vs Total Finished Area