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PSF · The comparison number

Which unit is
really cheaper?

The total price fools your eyes. Price per square foot puts two different-sized units on the same footing — so you can see which one is actually the better deal.

← All 8 numbers to check before you buy

The two units

PSF = price ÷ built-up. Fill Unit A for a quick check — add Unit B to compare.

Unit A
RM
sqft
Unit B · to compare
RM
sqft
Price per square foot
RM0/sqft
Enter a price and built-up size to begin
Unit A—
Unit B—
Your PSF working will show here.

Why the cheaper-looking unit can cost more

Two condos: RM800,000 for 1,400 sqft vs RM600,000 for 850 sqft. The RM600k unit looks like the bargain — divide by size and the picture flips.

−RM200k

Lower total ≠ better value

Unit B's price tag is RM200,000 lighter — but it buys you 550 fewer square feet. The total price hides how much home you actually get.

÷ sqft

PSF is the comparison currency

Price ÷ built-up puts a 1,400 sqft unit and an 850 sqft unit on the same footing. For similar units in the same area, it's the fastest fair comparison.

7 factors

What PSF doesn't capture

Tenure, age, condition, floor, view, facilities, maintenance fees — seven things the ratio can't see. PSF narrows the shortlist; it doesn't finish the decision.

Run the numbers above: Unit B works out to RM706/sqft against Unit A's RM571/sqft — the "cheap" unit costs about 24% more for every square foot you get.

Questions

How is PSF calculated?
PSF = price ÷ built-up area in square feet. Example: RM800,000 ÷ 1,400 sqft = RM571/sqft. It converts any price tag into a per-square-foot rate, so units of different sizes can be compared fairly.
Why can a cheaper unit be more expensive?
Because the total price hides the size. A RM800,000 unit with 1,400 sqft costs RM571/sqft. A RM600,000 unit with only 850 sqft costs RM706/sqft — about 24% more for every square foot, even though its price tag is RM200,000 lower. Cheaper overall, more expensive per square foot.
Built-up vs land area — which should I use?
For strata properties (condos, apartments, serviced residences), compare built-up area. For landed property, PSF is usually quoted on land area. The rule that matters: always compare like with like — never a built-up PSF against a land-area PSF.
What's a "good" PSF?
There is no universal number — PSF varies hugely by location, project and property type. The honest benchmark is recent transactions of similar units in the same area or the same project. If comparable units transacted at RM550/sqft and you're offered RM700/sqft, ask why.

This calculator is for general education only and is not financial advice. Sizes in listings can be wrong or quoted on a different basis — always verify the built-up from the SPA / strata plan, and compare against recent transactions of similar units before deciding.