Revit’s Volume Calculation for Spaces
To calculate the volume of areas requiring heating and cooling, defining the space is essential. The volume is determined by multiplying the reference area by the height of the space, which is based on its room boundary components. In Revit, both area and volume calculations are referenced to the wall surface. Note that volume calculations based on planes outside the surface level may change after a project upgrade.
The bottom calculation height is set by the Reference Elevation and Bottom Offset. By default, this bottom height is 0’0″ (0.00 mm) above the spatial reference elevation. The vertical height of the space is defined by the Upper Limit and Height Offset, with a default height of 8’0″ (2600 mm) above the bottom reference elevation.
Volume and Linked Files
When working with spaces automatically created from existing rooms—whether in local files or linked models—it’s important to verify and, if necessary, redefine the upper limits and boundaries of those spaces. When using linked models, all spaces and partitions must reside in the main project file. Revit does not support volume calculation or heating and cooling load analysis for spaces or partitions located within linked models.
Area and Volume Options
Within the Area and Volume Calculation dialog box (Design tab > Room and Area panel dropdown > Calculation of Area and Volume), selecting the Area and Volume option allows additional room boundary components to influence the vertical height of the space, affecting volume calculations.
When Area and Volume is selected, the space boundary also captures roofs and ceilings. If the vertical height of the space intersects with the vertical length of any room boundary component, a snap will occur. This setting does not alter the bottom or vertical height properties of the space.
Section Views of Spaces
Revit visually displays spaces in both plan and sectional views using shading. The specified upper limit for a space should not exceed the level immediately above its bottom level, except in cases of multi-level spaces such as shafts or wall openings.
Choosing the Area and Volume option (the default setting) ensures more accurate volume calculations and better heating and cooling load analysis. If this option is not selected, the space boundary will still capture the vertical height, but the Volume property will appear as Not Calculated.
By default, Revit has Area and Volume enabled.
Related Skills
Revit Height Calculations
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