How Much Space Do You Really Need Per Person?
Have you ever looked around your office and thought:
“Is this space really enough for our team?”
Or maybe you’re planning a move and wondering:
“How big should our new office be?”
As we spend most of our day in the office, space isn’t just a matter of square meters—it’s about comfort, productivity, and employee well-being.
In this article, we’ll break down how much space is actually needed per person and how to design a better office environment for your team.
The Basics: How Much Space Per Person?
■ Legal Minimum
Japanese law requires at least 4.8㎡ (about 1.4 tsubo) per person.
This is the bare minimum for health and safety—enough to legally operate, but not always ideal.
■ Recommended Size
Office furniture companies generally recommend 6.6–13㎡ (2–4 tsubo) per person, considering desks, walkways, and shared equipment.
■ Real-World Average
According to a 2022 survey in Tokyo’s 23 wards:
- Per registered employee: 3.66 tsubo
- Per actual attendee: 4.88 tsubo
This means most companies are going beyond the legal requirement, but not quite hitting the ideal comfort zone.
How to Calculate the Right Office Size
- Everyone on-site
- Hybrid or remote-friendly model
- Layout-based approach
Office area = Total staff × Space per person
Office area = Expected seats × Seat buffer rate × Space per seat
Plan based on desk spacing, walkways, and common areas.
(Example: Walkways = 1600mm / Desk gaps = 900mm)
Don’t Forget These 7 Key Spaces
Office layouts aren’t just about desk count. A functional and comfortable office includes:
- Workspaces – Sized per role (sales, admin, tech)
- Meeting rooms – Formal and informal spaces
- Storage – For documents, equipment, and supplies
- Tech areas – Printers, servers, secure areas
- Wellness zones – Lockers, break areas, kitchens
- Reception space – First impressions count
- Entrance design – Tidy, clear, welcoming
Tips to Maximize Space Without Expanding
Not ready to move? Here are four ways to make the most of your current space:
- Go paperless – Less storage = more usable space
- Reduce in-office rates – Hybrid schedules can lower seat demand
- Use flexible furniture & shared zones – Think modular and mobile
- Choose compact furniture – Tailor size to role needs (e.g., smaller desks for sales reps)
SmileHome Also Helps You Find Business Properties
Finding the right office isn’t just about square footage—it’s about finding the right space for your team and your work style.
At SmileHome, we don’t just help with housing—we also support businesses in their search for the perfect office, shop, or commercial property.
With multilingual AI support and human guidance, we offer a seamless experience for both domestic and international clients.
If you’re considering an office relocation or just want to explore better options, feel free to reach out.