Auditorium Capacity Calculator

Inputs

Unit system

Changing units refreshes presets.

Seating style (planning preset)

You can override any preset values.

Planning factor (area per person)

m²/person

Typical planning options: Standing (dense) ≈ 0.65 Chairs only ≈ 1.40 Classroom ≈ 1.85 Banquet ≈ 1.90 Tables & chairs ≈ 2.30

Seating area (gross)

m²

If you enter length & width, area is auto derived.

Length (optional)

m

Used as seating depth when provided.

Width (optional)

m

Needed for more accurate aisle and seat estimates.

Stage / platform area

m²

Subtracts non-seating area from capacity.

Circulation allowance

%

Accounts for aisles, cross-aisles, and buffers.

Wheelchair spaces (planning)

%

Deducted from the seat-layout estimate.

Seat width

m

Typical 0.45–0.55 m (18–22 in).

Row spacing (pitch)

m

Typical 0.85–1.05 m for comfort.

Aisles (count)

Aisles are deducted from the available width.

Aisle width

m

Use clear width available to seating rows.

Max seats between aisles

Planning check only; verify local code.

Reset

Example Data Table

Scenario	Gross Area	Stage Area	Circulation	Seat Width	Row Spacing	Aisles	Recommended
Mid-size theatre seating	450 m²	60 m²	18%	0.50 m	0.90 m	2 × 1.20 m	~430
Banquet layout	600 m²	80 m²	25%	—	—	—	~210
Standing event	350 m²	40 m²	15%	—	—	—	~400

Example outputs are illustrative. Always validate with local regulations and detailed layout drawings.

Formula Used

Net Seating Area = (Gross Seating Area − Stage Area) × (1 − Circulation %)
Area Capacity = floor(Net Seating Area ÷ Planning Factor)
Effective Width = Estimated Width − (Aisle Count × Aisle Width)
Seats per Row = floor(Effective Width ÷ Seat Width)
Rows = floor(Estimated Depth ÷ Row Spacing)
Layout Capacity = (Seats per Row × Rows) − Wheelchair Spaces
Recommended Capacity = min(Area Capacity, Layout Capacity)

If width and depth are not provided, the tool infers dimensions using a typical aspect ratio for preliminary planning.

How to Use This Calculator

Select your unit system and seating style.
Enter gross seating area, or provide length and width.
Subtract stage area, then set circulation allowance.
Set seat width, row spacing, aisle count, and aisle width.
Adjust planning factor and wheelchair percentage if needed.
Press Calculate to view results above the form.
Use Download CSV or Download PDF for reporting.

For final design, refine with exact drawings, sightlines, egress paths, and local compliance checks.

Capacity planning inputs that matter

Capacity starts with net seating area, not total footprint. Enter gross seating area, subtract stage or platform area, then apply a circulation percentage for aisles, cross‑aisles, and rear walkways. The calculator converts net area into a planning capacity using an adjustable area‑per‑person factor. This step is ideal for design, budget studies, and comparing sizes before detailed seating plans exist.

Balancing area and seat‑layout estimates

Area‑based capacity is quick, but geometry can reduce real seats. The layout estimate uses seat width, row spacing, aisle count, and aisle width to approximate seats per row and the number of rows. Recommended capacity is the lower of the area limit and the layout limit, providing a conservative target. Use this value when coordinating structural live load assumptions and ventilation occupancy.

Aisles, egress, and circulation checks

Aisles improve movement but consume width. The tool deducts total aisle width from the seating block and highlights when seats between aisles exceed your chosen threshold. Treat warnings as design prompts: add an aisle, widen the block, or adjust seat width and pitch. Increase circulation percentage when you expect cross‑aisle breaks, vomitories, or rear zones for queuing and cleaning.

Accessible seating reservations

Accessible provision affects both capacity and layout flexibility. The calculator reserves wheelchair spaces as a percentage of the raw layout seats and deducts them to produce a net layout capacity. During early stages, set the percentage to match venue goals and type, then refine later with distributed locations, companion seating, and sightline checks. Small changes matter most when capacity is close to a required program number.

Scenario reporting for project decisions

Capacity influences egress sizing, restroom counts, acoustical strategies, and mechanical loads, so documenting assumptions is critical. Export CSV to compare options across circulation allowances and seating pitches, and export PDF for notes and approvals for stakeholders. Record the basis line explaining the governing limit. After schematic design, validate with a full seating plan, code review, and detailed aisle and row geometry.

FAQs

1) Should I use area capacity or layout capacity?

Use the recommended value, which is the lower of both. It reduces risk when geometry, aisles, and accessibility reduce seats compared with a pure area estimate.

2) What circulation percentage is reasonable?

Start with 15–25% for early planning. Increase it when you expect cross‑aisles, wide rear walkways, queue zones, or additional buffers around doors and corners.

3) Why does adding aisles sometimes reduce capacity sharply?

Aisles subtract clear width from the seating block, lowering seats per row. They can improve safety and operations, so balance capacity targets with movement and egress needs.

4) How should I set the planning factor?

Use a factor that matches the seating style and comfort level. Tighter standing layouts use lower area per person, while classroom and banquet layouts need more area per person.

5) How accurate is the inferred width and depth?

It is a preliminary estimate based on a typical aspect ratio. Enter measured width and depth when available to improve aisle deductions, seats per row, and row count.

6) Do the exports replace a code review?

No. Exports document assumptions and results for discussion. Final capacity must be confirmed with detailed drawings, sightlines, egress analysis, and the applicable local regulations.