Estimate maximum legal occupancy from square footage and use type. IBC-aligned defaults for assembly, concentrated, standing, and dining configurations. Confirm with the AHJ before publishing.
Concert floor, dance, GA standing — IBC 5 sf net
% of total sqft actually occupiable after stage, bars, lounges, fixed obstructions. 80% is a common default; adjust per venue plot.
Occupant load is the maximum number of people permitted in a space, set by the International Building Code (IBC) and adopted (with modifications) by most US jurisdictions. The IBC sets per-occupant area factors by use type — 7 sq ft per person standing, 15 sq ft for unconcentrated assembly with tables, 5 sq ft for waiting areas. Multiply usable floor area by the appropriate factor (and divide) to land on a load.
Real-world capacity is the lower of the IBC load and what the venue's egress capacity supports — exit width, fixed seating layout, sprinkler coverage, and AHJ judgement all play in. Use this calculator as a starting estimate; confirm with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction before publishing capacity.
Per-venue capacity, ticket allocations, and gate-scan limits — one record.