Definition
Definition
Space with the floor at or above the ground outside.
What it means
A level is above grade when its floor is at or above the ground around the house. Each level is judged on its own: the floor above a basement or crawl space is still above grade. Only above-grade finished space counts toward the gross living area under ANSI Z765.
Compared with other terms
| Term | What it includes |
|---|---|
| Above grade | Space with the floor at or above the ground outside. |
| Below grade | Any level that is partly under the ground. |
| Gross living area (GLA) | Finished area above grade, from the outside walls. |