Net occupant load factor is:

• A. Calculated for the building as a whole.
• B. Measured wall to wall.
• C. The gross occupant load factor minus any tables, columns, or other unusable space.
• D. Used in occupancies where there will be lower concentrations of people.

Answer: (C)

Net occupant load factor measures how much floor area per person is actually usable by occupants. It starts from the gross floor area per person and subtracts spaces that can’t be used for people—like the footprint of columns, fixed furniture, or other unusable spaces. This reduces the factor to reflect the real, usable space available for occupants, giving a more accurate sense of capacity.

That’s why the description aligns with subtracting unusable areas from the gross occupant load factor. It isnures you’re counting only what people can actually use, rather than counting every square foot regardless of obstructions.