Before you visit a space or ask for a proposal, one question always comes up: how many square feet does our team need? The answer depends less on your headcount than on how your people work. Here is the calculation we use in our own tools, in five steps.
The right starting point is the number of people present at the same time on your busiest days. In a hybrid team, that number is often well below headcount. We explained how to measure it over two weeks in What an office really costs for a team of eight. Keep the number from your busiest day: it sets how many seats you need.
Next, note how many meetings you hold each week, with how many people and for how long. A permanent meeting room takes up square feet you pay for every day of the year, even when it sits empty. If the whole team meets once a week, a room booked by the hour that day often costs less than one more room in the lease.
In a commercial lease, our calculations allow about 150 sq. ft. per person, common areas and circulation included. Below 500 sq. ft., spaces are rare: that is our minimum. In a coworking space, each person uses about 50 sq. ft. of workspace, because the kitchen, lounges and meeting rooms are shared with other members.
| Team | Commercial lease | Gross rent per month* | Coworking (workspace) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 people | 500 sq. ft. | $1,285 | 50 to 150 sq. ft. |
| 5 people | 750 sq. ft. | $1,925 | 250 sq. ft. |
| 10 people | 1,500 sq. ft. | $3,855 | 500 sq. ft. |
| 20 people | 3,000 sq. ft. | $7,710 | 1,000 sq. ft. |
* At the average asking gross rent on Montreal's South Shore, $30.83 per sq. ft. per year, taxes and common charges included (Cushman & Wakefield, Q2 2026). This is rent alone: fit-out, furniture, internet, cleaning and management time come on top.
A lease is usually signed for five years, on a floor area chosen today. If the team grows, you run out of room before the end; if it shrinks, you pay for empty seats until the last month. Ask yourself honestly: how many will you be in three years, and how sure are you? The less certain the answer, the more flexibility is worth.
Private offices start at $358 a month with a 12-month commitment. The commitment is not mandatory: it gives you a better rate, and month to month remains possible at a slightly higher price. Prices vary by location and size; you can see available offices and their prices live.
Our needs assessment follows these steps: number of people, private or shared space, budget, meetings. It tells you which combination costs you the least. And if you would rather judge on site, the trial day is free at the location of your choice.