Space simulation tool
Apartment and Balcony Sunlight Checker
Two homes on the same street can receive very different direct sun because of floor height, orientation and nearby buildings. This checker creates a transparent model of those factors rather than relying on a generic compass rule.
- Cost
- Free
- Account
- Not required
- Project data
- Browser-local
Sun angle 38.3° · direct sun now · Drag the compass or timeline to update
What this tool calculates
- Direct-sun periods for the chosen facing direction
- Approximate sun reach through a measured window
- Exterior blocking from manually verified nearby structures
- Seasonal sunrise and sunset at the property coordinates
How to use it
- 01
Confirm the exact facade
Use a plan, compass or map to identify the direction the important window or balcony faces.
- 02
Model the nearest blockers
Add the building opposite, side walls, mature trees and any balcony above that materially reduces sky view.
- 03
Check the worst season
Compare a winter date with summer. Low winter sun can be blocked by buildings that do not matter in June.
How to read the result
Useful comparison
Use the same dates and verified assumptions for each candidate home. Relative differences are often more reliable than a single exact minute.
Confidence
A result becomes stronger when orientation, floor height, window measurements and obstacle heights are all known.
Limits you should know
- SunCarta does not verify a listing agent’s measurements or building plans.
- Interior brightness depends on glass, finishes, room depth and reflected daylight.
- Never use the result as the only basis for a major property decision; visit at a relevant time when possible.
Questions about this calculator
Can I use a real-estate listing address?
Yes, but the search only centers the map. You still need to pin the exact facade or outdoor point and set its real orientation.
Does a higher floor always receive more sun?
Not always, but additional height can clear a nearby obstruction. Model the receiving point and the blocker elevations carefully.
Methodology version 1.1 · Reviewed August 8, 2026