Construction cost per square foot is the total construction cost of a building divided by its built-up area in square feet. It is the quickest way to compare budgets, quotes and projects of different sizes.
Cost per sq ft = total project cost ÷ built-up area (sq ft). A 2,000 sq ft house that costs ₹40 lakh to build works out to ₹2,000 per sq ft.
What goes into “total cost” matters: some quotes cover only the structure and basic finishes, others include interiors, electrical and plumbing fittings, approvals and GST. Compare like with like, and be clear whether the area is carpet, built-up or super built-up.
Rates vary widely with city, specification, labour availability and material prices, so a per sq ft rate is a planning figure; a BOQ gives the real budget.
ARC PEM calculates cost per sq ft for each project from its BOQ budget, and shows how actual spending compares as bills come in. See all features.
Free tool: Construction Cost Calculator — Estimate the cost of building a house in India — per sq ft rates by quality and city, with a full cost breakdown and material quantities.
ARC PEM tracks your BOQ, vendor bills, labour attendance, contractor ledgers and GST across every project — live for the whole firm, on any phone or computer.
Join 30+ architecture and construction firms already using ARC PEM to track budgets, manage vendors, and generate professional reports — without a single spreadsheet.