What is gross leasable area in real estate?

Gross Leasable Area (GLA) Definition

Gross leasable area (GLA) refers to the total floor area designed for tenant occupancy and exclusive use, including any basements, mezzanines, or upper floors, measured from the center lines of joint partitions and exterior walls. It excludes common areas and spaces such as stairwells, elevators, and maintenance areas. GLA is a critical metric in commercial real estate, especially in retail, as it determines the rentable space available to tenants.