What is a BOMA standard?

BOMA Standard refers to the measurement standards developed by the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International, used to consistently calculate a building's rentable and usable square footage across the commercial real estate industry.

How the BOMA Standard Works

• The standard defines precise methods for measuring usable area within tenant spaces and common areas shared by all tenants.
• A load factor, or common area factor, is applied to usable area to calculate rentable square footage.
• Different BOMA standards exist for office, industrial, retail, and multifamily property types, each with specific measurement rules.
• Consistent application of the standard allows for accurate comparisons of space across different buildings.

What Is a BOMA Standard

• An industry-recognized methodology ensuring consistency in how commercial space is measured and marketed.
• A widely adopted standard used in leasing, appraisal, and property management across the United States.
• Periodically updated to reflect changes in building design and industry practices.
• An important reference point for comparing rentable square footage across competing properties.

Best Practices for Applying BOMA Standards

• Confirm which version of the BOMA standard applies to the property type before measuring.
• Engage qualified professionals to conduct accurate space measurements.
• Clearly disclose the measurement standard used in lease agreements and marketing materials.
• Re-measure spaces after renovations or reconfigurations to maintain accuracy.

The BOMA standard provides a consistent, industry-wide framework for measuring commercial space, supporting transparency and comparability in leasing and property valuation.