GRAND OPENING!

Are you launching a brand new startup in a Denver loft? Expanding to a larger office building in Colorado Springs? Perhaps you’re managing a massive corporate expansion across the country. Then math of your office is the first hurdle. At Office Furniture EZ, we have helped hundreds of businesses transition from a fresh start to a fully functional headquarters. The first question we get asked is, “How much office space do you need per person?”.

How much office space do you need per person?

For a standard modern office, most experts recommend between 75 to 150 square feet per employee. This range allows for a comfortable workstation and the necessary aisle space to move around. For more traditional layouts or executive settings, providing up to 325 square feet per person is considered a reasonable standard to ensure maximum privacy and comfort.

Quick Space Allocation Reference

At Office Furniture EZ, we find that the right amount of space usually depends on the job being done. Here is a breakdown based on the thousands of workstations we have installed over the years.

Workspace Type	Desk Dimensions	Desk Footprint	Total Area (Incl. Aisles)	Why the difference?
Call Center / Benching	4′ x 2′	8 sq. ft.	50 – 75 sq. ft.	High-density layout with narrow, efficient aisles.
Standard Cubicles	6′ x 6′	36 sq. ft.	100 – 125 sq. ft.	Allows for 5′ aisles to meet standard ADA and flow requirements.
Large Workstations	8′ x 8′	64 sq. ft.	150 – 175 sq. ft.	Accommodates extra storage and room for guest seating.
Private Offices	10′ x 12′	120 sq. ft.	200 – 300 sq. ft.	Accounts for door swings, hallway access, and privacy buffers.

The Colorado Factor in Space Planning

When we work on projects here in Colorado, we see a few unique trends. Many local tech teams in Boulder or Fort Collins prefer a hybrid model with collaborative zones rather than rows of closed-off offices.

One thing many people forget is the gear. If your team members are active bike commuters or folks with heavy winter gear, you need to budget extra square footage for common areas like locker zones or wider entryways. We have seen layouts look great on paper but fail in reality because the walkways were not wide enough for a mountain lifestyle office.

Using CAD and AI to Get It Right

You do not have to guess if the furniture will fit. Every project we handle starts with a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) layout. This lets us see the ghost of your furniture in your actual room to ensure you are not blocking power outlets or heater vents.

Lately, we have also been using AI design tools to help our clients visualize their finishes. If you want to see how a specific fabric on your cubicles looks against the natural light of your specific windows, we can show you that in minutes. It takes the what-if out of the equation.

Beyond the Desk: Meeting and Training Areas

Your headcount is just one part of the story. To have a truly functional office, you also need to plan for:

Meeting and Training Areas: We recommend 25 square feet per person for conference rooms to avoid that cramped feeling. We can get creative here with huddle stations and other small gathering spaces for quick meetings, and then plan for a more formal meeting room for planned gatherings. If onboarding or classes are part of your business, don’t forget about a designated training area.

Quiet Zones: In an open plan, having a few phone-booth style spots is a lifesaver for your team members who need to focus. This has become common in hybrid offices where people need to take calls or work heads-down for a short time.

Offices: Even in modern layouts, most companies still need a few private spaces for HR or executive meetings that require a confidential environment.

Don’t Guess – Let Us Map It Out For You

The 75 to 150 square feet rule is a great starting point, but every office has its quirks. Whether you are starting fresh or growing your headcount, you do not have to figure this out on your own.

We offer no-cost, no-obligation professional site surveys and 3D CAD layouts so you can see exactly how your new workstations and cubicles will fit before you spend a dime.

Ready to get started? Schedule your Free Space Planning Appointment here.

We can visit your Denver-area site in person or work with your blueprints for national projects. It is the easiest way to ensure your new layout is safe, efficient, and ready for your team on day one.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cubicle Layout Planning

Is 100 square feet per person enough for a cubicle?

Yes. While a standard 6′ x 6′ cubicle only takes up 36 square feet of floor space, the 100 square foot rule accounts for the necessary aisles, storage, and shared common areas required to keep the office functional and compliant with fire codes.

How do I calculate office space for a hybrid team?

For hybrid teams, we recommend focusing on the maximum number of people expected in the office at one time rather than your total headcount. You can often use a smaller footprint by incorporating hot-desking workstations and larger common areas for collaborative work.

Does a CAD drawing include fire safety paths?

Yes. A professional CAD layout ensures that your workstations and cubicles are spaced according to local building codes, keeping exit paths clear and maintaining proper access to fire extinguishers and emergency exits.

We’ll Help with Headcount vs. Square Footage

We’re a family-owned and operated office furniture business with decades of experience in planning, sales, assembly, and delivery. We’re ready to help with your project – whether it’s a single conference room upgrade or a whole floor of commercial office furniture (and everything in between). Give us a call or shoot us an email. We’re here to help!

By Jeff Schwankl