ANSI® Z765- 2021 standard
The ANSI-Z765-2021 is the 2021 update to the ANSI-Z765 measurement standard which was originally created in 1996 to provide definitive, industry-wide specifications and parameters to determine square footage with consistency. The ANSI-Z765 measurement standard ensures that regulated guidelines are always followed, so that alignment can be observed and delivered to all market participants.
Above Grade vs Below Grade
The above grade finished area of a house is the sum of finished areas on levels that are entirely above grade. Below-grade finished square footage of a house is the sum of finished areas on levels that are wholly or partly below grade.
Areas not considered gross liveable area (GLA)
Finished areas that do not meet the criteria of calculated square footage such as those areas not connected to the house, unfinished areas, and other areas that do not fulfill the requirements of finished square footage but may be listed separately.
Ceiling Height per ANSI Standards
Finished areas must have a ceiling height of at least 7 feet. In a room with a sloping ceiling, at least 50% of the finished square footage of the room must have a ceiling height of at least 7 feet, and no portion of the finished area that has a ceiling height of less than 5 feet can be included in the GLA.
Appling ANSI to other dwellings
ANSI should be used if the structure is a manfactured home.
ANSI should not be used if the architectural design is an apartment or multifamily building.
ANSI identifies duplex as a semi-attached single-family residential home.
When measuring a condominium or co-op that is part of an apartment or multifamily building, Fannie Mae’s policy of using interior perimeter measurements for the subject property should be applied.