Are Closets Included in Square Footage?

When you're buying, selling, or remodeling a home, understanding how square footage is calculated matters. One common question homeowners ask is whether closets are included in that number. The answer affects everything from listing prices to property taxes to how you think about your storage space.

The Short Answer

Yes, closets are typically included in a home's square footage. If your closet is part of the finished living space—with proper flooring, walls, and ceiling—it counts toward your home's total area. This includes walk-in closets, reach-in closets, linen closets, and pantry spaces.

That said, how square footage is measured can vary by region, appraiser, and listing standards. Let's break down what you need to know.

How Square Footage Is Measured

Most real estate professionals follow the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) guidelines for measuring residential square footage. Under these standards, gross living area (GLA) includes all finished, above-grade space with a ceiling height of at least 7 feet.

This means your closets, hallways, and even the space under stairs can count toward your total square footage—as long as they meet the basic requirements.

Key Requirements for Inclusion

• Finished space: Walls, flooring, and ceiling must be complete
• Ceiling height: At least 7 feet (or half the room at 7 feet for sloped ceilings)
• Above grade: Below-grade basements are often listed separately
• Heated/cooled: Part of the home's climate-controlled area

What Counts (And What Doesn't)

Here's a quick breakdown of common spaces and whether they typically count toward square footage:

Closet Types and Square Footage

Different closet configurations impact both your usable storage and your home's recorded square footage.

Walk-In Closets

A walk-in closet is fully counted in square footage calculations. These spaces typically range from 25 to 100+ square feet in Arizona homes. In Paradise Valley and Phoenix luxury homes, primary walk-in closets often rival small bedrooms in size.

Reach-In Closets

Reach-in closets are measured as part of the room they serve. A bedroom with a 3-foot-deep closet includes that closet space in the room's total square footage. Custom organization systems can transform these smaller spaces into highly efficient storage.

Butler's Pantries and Storage Rooms

Dedicated storage spaces like butler's pantries and pantry rooms count toward square footage when they're part of the finished home. These spaces are increasingly popular in Tempe, Mesa, and Chandler new construction.

Closets and Home Value

While closets are included in square footage, their impact on home value goes beyond simple math. Buyers don't just want space—they want organized, functional space.

The Premium Factor

Homes with custom closet systems often command higher prices than similar homes with basic wire shelving. A well-designed walk-in closet or home office with built-ins signals quality and attention to detail that buyers appreciate.

Consider these value factors:

• First impressions: Organized closets photograph well for listings
• Perceived space: Custom systems make rooms feel larger
• Move-in ready: Buyers pay premiums to avoid projects
• Quality signals: Custom storage suggests overall home quality

Strategic Conversions

Some homeowners convert small bedrooms into large walk-in closets or hobby rooms with built-in storage. While this doesn't change total square footage, it can increase perceived value—especially in homes with more bedrooms than needed.

Why Custom Closets Matter

Whether you're preparing to sell or simply want to enjoy your home more, custom closet organization makes your square footage work harder.

Maximizing Existing Space

A 50-square-foot walk-in closet with custom shelving, drawers, and hanging systems holds far more than the same space with a single rod and shelf. The square footage stays the same, but the usable storage multiplies.

This same principle applies to laundry rooms, mudrooms, garage storage areas, and entertainment centers. Smart design extracts maximum function from every square foot.

The Arizona Advantage

Arizona homeowners have unique storage needs. From seasonal clothing rotations to protecting items from dust and heat, custom closet systems built for the desert climate make sense. Classy Closets has served over 100,000 Arizona families since 1983, understanding exactly what works in our homes.

Investment That Stays

Unlike furniture that leaves with you, custom closet systems become part of your home. They add to the finished quality of your space and contribute to the overall impression buyers form when they walk through.