How much office space do you really need?  That depends on a number of factors and it’s always best to hire a professional space planner to determine your exact needs.  Your local CRN member can provide some guidance as well as referrals to space planners so don’t be afraid to ask.. 

While we can’t give you an exact number for your situation, we can provide you with some general factors to consider in order to make a calculation:

• For general office space, you’ll want about 70-100 square feet per employee
• If you’re a smaller, more compact type of business (like a call center or sales office), you can use closer to the 70 square foot range
• If you’re a doctor or lawyer, which requires the most square footage, you’ll need closer to 100 square feet per employee
• Reception areas need at least 100 square feet at minimum, and 10 square feet for each additional person that could be seated in the waiting area
• Conference rooms need around 50 square feet to begin, with an additional 25 square feet per person you would like to keep seated
• Mail rooms require 125 square feet
• File rooms, storage rooms, and libraries need at least 200 square feet
• Break rooms require 75 square feet minimum, plus 25 square feet for each additional person seated
• Small IT room (one server rack) – 40 square feet
• Large IT server room (four server racks) – 120 square feet
• Kitchen – 200 square feet
• Add the circulation area.  The “circulation area” includes interior hallways and restrooms – places where people can simply flow and travel throughout your office.  Once you’ve calculated the office space you need to have, add 20-35% for circulation.

Once you’ve calculated your total, factor in an additional 10-20% square footage to account for growth.  It’s more cost-effective to stay where you are and grow than it is to prematurely terminate a lease and move again.  
Ask Your CRN Member for Help