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RMS Measurements in Calgary

What square footage really means when selling your home

When preparing to sell a home in Calgary, square footage often raises questions. Many homeowners notice differences between past listings, builder plans, and current measurements, which can create uncertainty before pricing decisions are made.

This page explains how RMS measurements work, what they include, and how they are used when listing a property. The goal is to provide clarity so you understand how square footage is calculated and how it fits into the broader context of pricing and market positioning.

RMS stands for Residential Measurement Standard. It is the system used in Alberta to measure and report the above-grade living area of a home when it is listed for sale.

The purpose of RMS is consistency. It ensures that buyers, sellers, and agents are comparing homes using the same measurement method, rather than relying on older listings, builder plans, or informal estimates.

If you’re preparing to sell, a home evaluation helps put RMS measurements into proper pricing context.

RMS measurements include finished spaces that are fully above grade, heated, and accessible year-round. Areas such as basements, garages, and unfinished spaces are excluded from the RMS total and reported separately.

Because RMS follows a standardized method, the reported square footage on a new listing may differ from what appears on past listings or documents. This does not mean value has changed. It simply reflects a consistent measurement approach used across the market today.

RMS measurement questions homeowners ask

Does RMS change the number of bedrooms in my home?

No. RMS measures above-grade living area, not room labels. Bedroom count is based on function and layout, while RMS focuses on square footage consistency.

Why does my square footage look different from a previous listing?

Older listings may have used different measurement methods or included areas that are now excluded under RMS. The current number reflects a standardized approach used across Alberta today.

Does RMS affect the value of my home?

Square footage is one factor in pricing, but value is determined by multiple elements including location, condition, layout, and market demand. RMS provides clarity, not a value judgment.

Who is responsible for RMS measurements?

The listing brokerage is responsible for ensuring RMS is measured and reported according to the standard at the time of listing.

Are basements included in RMS measurements?

No. Basements are excluded from RMS and are reported separately, even if they are fully developed.

Why is RMS important when selling?

RMS ensures buyers are comparing homes using the same measurement standard, which reduces confusion and supports transparent pricing discussions.

If you’re preparing to sell, a home evaluation helps put RMS measurements into proper pricing context. It looks beyond square footage alone and considers recent sales, market conditions, and how similar homes are currently performing.

Data is supplied by Pillar 9™ MLS® System. Pillar 9™ is the owner of the copyright in its MLS®System. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Pillar 9™.
The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.