Understanding Common Property Measurement Unit Conversions in India
Navigating the Indian real estate market can be challenging, especially when dealing with various measurement units. Whether you’re buying or selling property, understanding these units and their conversions is crucial. This guide will help you get a clear understanding of the most commonly used property measurement units in India and their conversions.
1. Square Feet (sq ft)
Overview:
Square Feet is one of the most commonly used units in urban areas for measuring apartments, flats, and small plots.
Conversion:
- 1 Square Foot (sq ft) = 0.0929 Square Meter (sq m)
- 1 Square Foot (sq ft) = 144 Square Inches (sq in)
Example:
A typical 2 BHK apartment might be around 1000 sq ft.
2. Square Yard (sq yd)
Overview:
Square Yard is widely used in northern and western parts of India for residential plots and independent houses.
Conversion:
- 1 Square Yard (sq yd) = 9 Square Feet (sq ft)
- 1 Square Yard (sq yd) = 0.8361 Square Meter (sq m)
Example:
A small residential plot could be about 200 sq yd.
3. Acre
Overview:
Acre is a standard unit for larger plots of land, commonly used in rural areas for agricultural lands and large estates.
Conversion:
- 1 Acre = 43,560 Square Feet (sq ft)
- 1 Acre = 4,840 Square Yards (sq yd)
- 1 Acre = 4046.86 Square Meters (sq m)
Example:
An agricultural plot might be around 2 acres.
4. Bigha
Overview:
Bigha is a traditional unit used in various states like Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. The size of a Bigha varies from state to state.
Conversion:
- 1 Bigha in Haryana = 27,225 Square Feet (sq ft)
- 1 Bigha in West Bengal = 14,400 Square Feet (sq ft)
Example:
A farm plot in Haryana might be about 3 Bighas.
5. Hectare
Overview:
Hectare is a metric unit used for large-scale land measurement, particularly in official land records and agricultural fields.
Conversion:
- 1 Hectare = 10,000 Square Meters (sq m)
- 1 Hectare = 2.471 Acres
Example:
A large agricultural field might measure 5 hectares.
6. Guntha
Overview:
Guntha is commonly used in Maharashtra and Karnataka for both agricultural and residential plots.
Conversion:
- 1 Guntha = 1,089 Square Feet (sq ft)
- 1 Guntha = 121 Square Yards (sq yd)
Example:
A residential plot might be about 10 Gunthas.
7. Killa
Overview:
Killa is a traditional unit of land measurement used primarily in Punjab and Haryana for agricultural land.
Conversion:
- 1 Killa = 43,560 Square Feet (sq ft)
- 1 Killa = 8 Kanals
- 1 Killa = 1 Acre
Example:
A large farm might be measured as 5 Killas.
8. Kanal
Overview:
Kanal is a unit used in northern India, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir for larger plots.
Conversion:
- 1 Kanal = 5,445 Square Feet (sq ft)
- 1 Kanal = 605 Square Yards (sq yd)
- 1 Kanal = 20 Marlas
Example:
A suburban plot could be about 2 Kanals.
9. Biswa
Overview:
Biswa is commonly used in northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. It varies in size by region.
Conversion:
- 1 Biswa in UP (Pucca) = 1,350 Square Feet (sq ft)
- 1 Biswa in Himachal Pradesh = 1,045 Square Feet (sq ft)
Example:
A small piece of land in UP might be around 5 Biswas.
10. Marla
Overview:
Marla is widely used in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, and it’s often used for residential plots.
Conversion:
- 1 Marla = 272.25 Square Feet (sq ft)
- 1 Marla = 30.25 Square Yards (sq yd)
- 1 Marla = 25.29 Square Meters (sq m)
Example:
A residential plot might be around 10 Marlas.
11. Gaj
Overview:
Gaj is a local unit of measurement commonly used in northern India, equivalent to a square yard.
Conversion:
- 1 Gaj = 1 Square Yard (sq yd)
- 1 Gaj = 9 Square Feet (sq ft)
Example:
A small plot might be around 100 Gaj.
Quick Conversion Table
Unit | Conversion |
---|---|
1 Square Yard (sq yd) | 9 Square Feet (sq ft) |
1 Acre | 43,560 Square Feet (sq ft) |
1 Bigha (Haryana) | 27,225 Square Feet (sq ft) |
1 Hectare | 10,000 Square Meters (sq m) |
1 Guntha | 1,089 Square Feet (sq ft) |
1 Killa | 43,560 Square Feet (sq ft) |
1 Kanal | 5,445 Square Feet (sq ft) |
1 Biswa (UP) | 1,350 Square Feet (sq ft) |
1 Marla | 272.25 Square Feet (sq ft) |
1 Gaj | 9 Square Feet (sq ft) |
Understanding these measurement units and their conversions is key to making informed decisions in the Indian real estate market. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing in property, this knowledge will help you navigate the market with confidence.