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 you publish.
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 a space holds, 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 right factor to land on a load.
Real capacity is the lower of the IBC load and what egress supports. Exit width, fixed seating, sprinkler coverage, and AHJ judgement all play in. Treat this calculator as a starting estimate; confirm with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction before you publish capacity.
Per-venue capacity, ticket allocations, and gate-scan limits in one record, one source of truth.