Space Inventory GSF, ASF, Non ASF, SSF Definitions
November 9, 2010
Source of Information: National Center for Education Statistics, Institute of
Education Sciences “Postsecondary Education Facilities Inventory and Classification
Manual (FICM) 2006 Edition” U.S. Department of Education Sciences,
NCES 2006-160
GSF = Gross Square Feet
Gross Area Definition: The sum of all areas on all floors of a building included within
the outside faces of its exterior walls, including all vertical penetration areas, for
circulation and shaft areas that connect one floor to another.
ASF = Assignable Square Feet
Assignable Area Definition: The sum of all areas on all floors of a building assigned to,
or available for assignment to, an occupant or specific use. (Classrooms, labs, offices,
study facilities, special use, general use, support, health care, residential, and unclassified
– that are used to accomplish the institution’s mission)
Non ASF = Non Assignable Square Feet: The sum of all areas on all floors of a
building not available for assignment to an occupant or for a specific use, but necessary
for the general operation of a building. (Building services, circulation, and mechanical
that are used to support the building’s general operation)
SSF = Structural Square Feet: The sum of all areas on all floors of a building that
cannot be occupied or put to use because of structural building features. (Exterior walls,
fire walls, permanent parturitions, unusable areas in attics or basements, or comparable
portions of a building with ceiling height restrictions.
Gross Area minus Assignable and Non Assignable Area = Structural Area