When purchasing land, the first item to consider is the measurement unit utilised. There are standard units for determining the exact size of a residential or business lot. Square feet or square meters are used to measure huge expanses. However, there are regional units like Bigha and Gaj.
What is the land measurement unit?
A land measurement unit is a metric used to determine the size of an area or a plot of land. As a result, the unit of measurement is standardised. Individuals, organisations, and government can use the units to determine the size of a plot of land. They can then apply the measurement to land ownership records, agriculture, real estate transactions, and urban planning, among other applications.
Many land measurement units are used for a variety of purposes. These units have various names based on the region and historical or cultural reasons. The following table shows the standard measurement units in India:
Land measurement table
Unit of Area |
Conversion Unit |
1 Square Feet (sq. ft.) |
144 square inches |
1 Square Centimeter (sq. cm) |
Approximately 0.00107639 sq. ft. |
1 Square Inch (sq. in) |
Approximately 0.0069444 sq. ft. |
1 Square Kilometer (sq. km) |
Approximately 247.1 acres |
1 Square Meter (sq. m) |
Approximately 10.764 sq. ft. |
1 Square Mile |
640 acres or 259 hectares |
1 Square Yard (sq. yd.) |
9 sq. ft. |
1 Acre |
4840 sq. yd. or 100.04 cents |
1 Hectare |
Approximately 10,000 sq. m or 2.49 acres |
Common conversions for land measurement
1 acre in bigha |
1 acre = 1.613 bigha |
bigha to acre |
1 Bigha = 0.619 acres |
acre to bigha |
1 Acre = 1.613 bigha |
1 hectare into bigha |
1 Hectare = 3.953 bigha |
1 bigha in square feet |
1 Bigha = 27,000 sq. ft. |
1 bigha in gaj |
1 Bigha = 3057.68 gaj |
Most used land
measurement units in India
North India
Units |
States |
Conversion |
1 Bigha |
Parts of Himachal Pradesh (HP), Uttarakhand |
1210 sqyd |
1 Biswa |
Parts of HP, Uttarakhand |
48.4 sqyd |
1 Biswansi |
UP, Punjab, Haryana, HP, Uttarakhand |
1/20 Biswa 1 Biswa = 20 Biswansis |
1 Killa/1 Ghumaon |
Parts of Haryana, Punjab, HP |
4840 sqyd |
1 Kanal |
JK, Punjab, HP, Haryana |
5445 sqft8 Kanals = 1 Acre |
West India
1 Bigha |
Bihar, parts of Rajasthan |
Pucca 3025 sqyd |
1 Bigha |
Gujarat, parts of Rajasthan |
1936 sqyd |
1 Biswa |
Upper parts of Rajasthan |
Pucca 151.25 sqyd |
1 Biswa |
Lower parts of Rajasthan |
96.8 sqyd |
1 Biswansi |
Rajasthan |
1/20 Biswa,1 Biswa = 20 Biswansis |
South India
1 Ankanam |
Parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka |
72 sqft,1 Acre = 605 Ankanams |
1 Cent |
Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka |
435.6 sqft |
1 Ground |
Parts of Tamil Nadu |
2400 sqft |
1 Guntha |
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka |
1089 sqft |
1 Kuncham |
Andhra Pradesh |
484 sqyd,1 Kuncham = 10 cents |
East India
1 Chatak |
West Bengal |
180 sqft |
1 Decimal |
West Bengal |
48.4 sqyd1 Acre = 100 decimals |
1 Dhur |
Bihar, Jharkhand |
68.0625 sqft |
1 Kattha |
Assam |
2880 sqft,1 Bigha = 5 Katthas |
1 Kattha |
Bengal |
720 sqft,1 Bigha = 20 Katthas |
1 Kattha |
Bihar |
1361.25 sqft,1 Bigha = 20 Katthas |
1 Lecha |
Assam |
20 Lechas = 1 Kattha |
Central India
1 Bigha |
Parts of Madhya Pradesh |
1333.33 sqyd |
1 Kattha |
Madhya Pradesh |
1 Bigha (MP) = 20 Kathas, 600 sqft |
The distinction between a plot and ground
Property buyers should understand the distinction between a plot and a ground because these are two phrases that might be confusing. Many people have to discern between the two. A thorough comprehension of these terminology aids you in making a purchasing decision.
The terms plot and ground are often used interchangeably. However, they are somewhat separated. A plot is any piece of land, regardless of size. A plot can thus be used for a variety of purposes, including residential, industrial, agricultural, and commercial.
A 'ground,' on the other hand, is a South Indian land measurement unit. This unit is mostly used to measure land in Tamil Nadu. One ground is equal to 2400 square feet, or 24 ''cents. This unit is designed specifically to measure residential plots in the state's urban districts.
The distinction between square meters (sq. m.) and
hectares.
Common land measurement measures include square meters (sq. m) and hectares. These are worldwide units that are widely used in India as well. However, the two are not identical.
A square metre is one metre square and represents a tiny area. It is also used to precisely measure an area, such as real estate.
The hectare (ha) is a unit used to measure greater land areas, such as agricultural land. So, one hectare of land equals 2.47105 acres, or 10,000 square meters.
Land measuring authorities in India.
In India, land measurement authority include tahsildars, revenue inspectors, and patwaris. Patwaris are primarily responsible for measuring land. They not only measure but also maintain land records.
The term Patwari is commonly used throughout North and Central India. So a patwari is a local authority in charge of keeping ownership records.
Patwari is also known as Lekhpal, Kanungo, Karmchari, and Village Officer.
Standard land measurement units in India.
There are numerous land measurement units in India. These units vary by area. Here are several popular land metrics in India.
Hectare
Hectares are commonly used to measure forest and agricultural fields. The unit is also utilised for municipal planning and property appraisal.
Acres are used to measure larger lands, such as farms and estates.
Bigha is a land measurement unit widely used in northern Indian regions. However, the unit has no specified size. For example, in West Bengal, one bigha represents 1,600 square yards, whereas in Uttarakhand, it equals 756.222 square yards.
Square foot
A square foot is an imperial unit that is used around the world, especially in India.
In Tamil Nadu, the term "ground" is commonly used for measurement. This unit is equivalent to 203 square meters or 24,000 square feet.
Square metre
A square metre, often known as a metered square, is a standard unit of measurement for area.
Katha, a measurement unit used in eastern India, does not have a recognised size. In Bihar, one Katha is 1,361.25 square feet, whereas in West Bengal, it is 720 square feet.
So, these are the most often used land measurement units in India. Be careful of these units while purchasing land for a home or business project. This will allow you to determine the correct measures of your residential or business property.
Wrapping Up
In India, land is measured using a variety of
units. These units include hectare, acre, bigha, square foot, ground, square
metre, and katha. To determine the exact land area of your home or commercial
property, make sure you have a basic understanding of the measurement units in
your area.