Skip to content

About to start a coworking space 🏢?

Let's make sure you launch a profitable business. Get our business plan.

What’s the ideal space requirement for a co-working space with desks and meeting rooms?

This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a coworking space.

Our business plan for a coworking space will help you succeed in your project.

How much space do you really need for a coworking area with desks and meeting rooms to make it both comfortable and efficient?

How much space does each desk usually take up in a coworking space?

How much of the coworking space should be set aside for meeting rooms?

What's the best ratio of desks to meeting rooms in a coworking space?

How much area should be dedicated to common spaces in a coworking environment?

What's the suggested ceiling height for a coworking space?

How many power outlets should each desk have in a coworking space?

What occupancy rate should a successful coworking space aim for?

How much should you plan to spend per square foot on furnishing a coworking space?

What internet speed is needed for a coworking space?

How many restrooms are needed in a coworking space?

What lighting level is ideal for a coworking space?

How much of the budget should go towards technology infrastructure in a coworking space?

These are questions we frequently receive from entrepreneurs who have downloaded the business plan for a coworking space. We’re addressing them all here in this article. If anything isn’t clear or detailed enough, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

The Right Formula to Determine the Ideal Space Requirement for a Co-Working Space with Desks and Meeting Rooms

  • 1. Determine the number of members and their needs:

    Identify the total number of members the co-working space aims to accommodate. Determine the percentage of members requiring individual desks versus those needing meeting room access.

  • 2. Calculate space for individual desks:

    Use industry standards to allocate space per person for desks, including desk, chair, and circulation space. Multiply the number of members needing desks by the space per person to find the total desk area required.

  • 3. Plan meeting room space:

    Decide on the mix of small, medium, and large meeting rooms based on the number of members needing access. Calculate the space required for each type of room and sum them to find the total meeting room area.

  • 4. Include common areas:

    Estimate the space needed for common areas such as lounges, kitchens, and restrooms. Typically, this is about 30% of the combined space for desks and meeting rooms.

  • 5. Calculate the total space requirement:

    Add the space for individual desks, meeting rooms, and common areas to determine the total space requirement for the co-working space.

An Illustrative Example You Can Use

Replace the bold numbers with your own data to get a result for your project.

To help you better understand, let’s take a fictional example. Imagine a co-working space that aims to accommodate 100 members. The space needs to provide both individual desks and meeting rooms.

Let's assume that 70% of the members will require individual desks, while the remaining 30% will need access to meeting rooms. This means 70 members will need desks, and 30 members will need meeting room access.

For individual desks, industry standards suggest allocating approximately 50 square feet per person, which includes the desk, chair, and circulation space. Therefore, for 70 members, the space required would be 70 members x 50 square feet/member = 3,500 square feet.

For meeting rooms, let's assume the space needs to accommodate 30 members at any given time, with a mix of small, medium, and large meeting rooms. A small meeting room for 4 people requires about 120 square feet, a medium room for 8 people requires about 240 square feet, and a large room for 12 people requires about 360 square feet.

To accommodate 30 members, we could have 2 small rooms (2 x 120 = 240 square feet), 2 medium rooms (2 x 240 = 480 square feet), and 1 large room (1 x 360 = 360 square feet), totaling 1,080 square feet for meeting rooms.

Additionally, we need to consider common areas such as lounges, kitchens, and restrooms, which typically require about 30% of the total space. Therefore, the common area space would be 0.30 x (3,500 + 1,080) = 1,374 square feet.

Adding all these components together, the total space requirement for the co-working space would be 3,500 square feet (desks) + 1,080 square feet (meeting rooms) + 1,374 square feet (common areas) = 5,954 square feet.

Thus, the ideal space requirement for this co-working space is approximately 5,954 square feet to comfortably accommodate 100 members with a mix of desks and meeting rooms.

With our financial plan for a coworking space, you will get all the figures and statistics related to this industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average square footage per desk in a coworking space?

In a coworking space, the average square footage per desk is typically around 50 to 75 square feet.

This includes space for the desk itself, as well as circulation and shared amenities.

Providing adequate space per desk ensures comfort and productivity for users.

How much space should be allocated for meeting rooms in a coworking environment?

Meeting rooms in a coworking space should generally occupy about 10% to 20% of the total space.

This allocation allows for a variety of meeting room sizes to accommodate different group sizes and purposes.

Having flexible meeting room options can enhance the appeal of your coworking space.

What is the ideal ratio of desks to meeting rooms in a coworking space?

The ideal ratio of desks to meeting rooms in a coworking space is approximately 10:1.

This ratio ensures that there are enough meeting rooms available without underutilizing space.

Balancing this ratio is crucial for maximizing both desk usage and meeting room availability.

How much space is needed for common areas in a coworking space?

Common areas in a coworking space should take up about 20% to 30% of the total space.

These areas include lounges, kitchens, and other shared amenities that foster community interaction.

Well-designed common areas can significantly enhance the user experience in a coworking space.

What is the recommended ceiling height for a coworking space?

The recommended ceiling height for a coworking space is at least 9 to 10 feet.

Higher ceilings can create a more open and inviting atmosphere, which is beneficial for creativity and collaboration.

Ceiling height can also impact acoustics and lighting, important factors in workspace design.

How many power outlets should be available per desk in a coworking space?

Each desk in a coworking space should have access to at least 2 to 4 power outlets.

This ensures that users can easily charge multiple devices simultaneously, such as laptops and phones.

Providing ample power outlets is essential for meeting the technological needs of modern workers.

What is the typical occupancy rate for a successful coworking space?

A successful coworking space typically maintains an occupancy rate of 80% to 90%.

This rate indicates a healthy balance between availability and demand, maximizing revenue potential.

Monitoring occupancy rates can help in making informed decisions about space expansion or reconfiguration.

How much should be budgeted per square foot for furnishing a coworking space?

Furnishing a coworking space generally costs between $50 and $150 per square foot.

This budget includes desks, chairs, meeting room furniture, and common area furnishings.

Investing in quality furnishings can enhance the aesthetic and functional appeal of the space.

What is the average internet speed required for a coworking space?

The average internet speed required for a coworking space is at least 100 Mbps for download and upload.

This speed supports multiple users engaging in high-bandwidth activities like video conferencing and large file transfers.

Reliable and fast internet is a critical amenity that can influence a coworking space's attractiveness.

How many restrooms should be available in a coworking space?

There should be at least one restroom per 15 to 20 users in a coworking space.

This ratio helps ensure that restrooms are easily accessible and reduces wait times during peak usage.

Proper restroom facilities are essential for maintaining hygiene and user satisfaction.

What is the ideal lighting level for a coworking space?

The ideal lighting level for a coworking space is around 300 to 500 lux.

This level provides sufficient brightness for tasks without causing glare or eye strain.

Good lighting design can enhance productivity and comfort in a coworking environment.

How much should be allocated for technology infrastructure in a coworking space budget?

Technology infrastructure should account for about 10% to 15% of the total budget for a coworking space.

This includes costs for internet, networking equipment, security systems, and other tech amenities.

Investing in robust technology infrastructure is crucial for meeting the needs of tech-savvy users.

Back to blog

Read More

The business plan to create a coworking space
All the tips and strategies you need to start your business!
What startup budget to create a coworking space?
How much do you need to start? What are the main expenses? Can we do it without money?
The financial margins of a coworking space
How much profit can you reasonably expect? Let's find out.