What Are the Common Land Measurement Units in India and How Do They Differ?

November 13, 2025

When you plan to buy or invest in land, one of the first things to grasp is how property is measured. Across India, every region uses its own set of terms and systems to define land size, which can often cause confusion. If you’re evaluating a residential plot or agricultural land, understanding how land measurement works in India helps ensure transparency, accurate valuation, and proper documentation. Here we will break down these regional variations and provide clear conversion charts to help you make confident, well-informed property decisions.

Explaining Land Measurement Units Used in India

India’s system of land area measurement blends traditional units with modern metric ones. While the metric system (square metre, hectare) is legally recognised nationwide, traditional measures like Bigha or Gaj remain common in local property dealings. Below are the most frequently used units and their significance.

Acre

An acre is one of the most widely recognised land measurement units used for large agricultural or residential plots. One acre equals 43,560 square feet or 4,840 square yards.

Hectare

A hectare is part of the international metric system and equals 10,000 square metres or approximately 2.47 acres. It is commonly used for large-scale agricultural land and government records due to its precision and global recognition.

Bigha

Bigha is a traditional unit that varies by state and possibly within the state as well . For instance, one Bigha equals 27,225 square feet in West Bengal and around 17,424 square feet in Uttar Pradesh. Due diligence is required since conversions differ regionally.

Gaj

Gaj, or square yard, is a popular urban land area measurement unit. It equals 9 square feet and is frequently used in property listings, particularly in North India for smaller plots. However, minor variations in interpretation may occur across regions.

Katha

Katha is a traditional measurement unit used mainly in Bihar, Assam, and West Bengal. One Katha can range from 720 to 1,361 square feet, depending on local regulations.

Guntha

Guntha, or Gunta, is used primarily in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat. One Guntha equals 1,089 square feet, and 40 Gunthas make one acre.

Cent

A Cent is widely used in South India, especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. One Cent equals 435.6 square feet. It provides a practical scale for residential land transactions.

Square Foot

The square foot is the most universally used urban measure, ideal for flats, apartments, and smaller plots. It ensures standardisation across real estate documentation.

Square Yard

A square yard, or Gaj, equals 9 square feet. It remains a common reference in property advertisements and builder layouts.

Common Land Measurement Units Used in India

The tables below highlight the most commonly used land measurement units across different parts of the country to help standardise comparisons.

1. North India

Unit	Equivalent in Square Feet	Commonly Used In
Bigha	17,424 – 27,225	Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab
Gaj	9	Delhi, Haryana, Punjab
Kanal	5,445	Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh

2. South India

Unit	Equivalent in Square Feet	Commonly Used In
Cent	435.6	Kerala, Tamil Nadu
Ground	2,400	Tamil Nadu
Guntha	1,089	Karnataka, Telangana

3. East India

Unit	Equivalent in Square Feet	Commonly Used In
Katha	720 – 1,361	Bihar, Assam, West Bengal
Bigha	27,225	West Bengal
Lecha	144	Assam

4. West India

Unit	Equivalent in Square Feet	Commonly Used In
Guntha	1,089	Maharashtra, Gujarat
Are	1076.39	Goa
Acre	43,560	Maharashtra, Gujarat

5. Central India

Unit	Equivalent in Square Feet	Commonly Used In
Acre	43,560	Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
Hectare	107,639	Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh

Conversion Chart for Land Measurement Units

The following land measurement chart helps convert traditional and metric units for accurate comparisons.

Unit	Conversion
1 Acre	= 4,840 sq yd = 43,560 sq ft
1 Hectare	= 10,000 sq m = 2.47 acres
1 Bigha	= Varies by state (17,424–27,225 sq ft)
1 Cent	= 435.6 sq ft
1 Guntha	= 1,089 sq ft
1 Katha	= 720–1,361 sq ft
1 Sq Yard	= 9 sq ft
1 Sq Metre	= 10.76 sq ft

How to Measure Land Accurately in India

Precise land measurement in India depends on official survey methods, legal property documents, and cadastral maps.

Survey Methods: Professional surveyors use total stations, GPS-based mapping, or electronic distance measurement tools for accuracy.
Land Records: Verify details in official land registers, RERA portals, or online mutation records.
Legal Documentation: Ensure that sale deeds and title documents reflect consistent measurements with government-approved plans.

Accurate property area measurement ensures transparency in ownership and valuation while preventing boundary disputes.

Difference Between a Plot and a Ground

Knowing the distinction between a plot and a ground helps buyers interpret property documents and listings accurately across different regions.

Aspect	Plot	Ground
Definition	A defined parcel of land used for residential, commercial, or mixed-use development.	A specific unit of land area commonly used in certain regions, equal to 2,400 sq ft.
Usage	Used across India in real estate registration and layout planning.	Recognised in select states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, where traditional land measurement systems are still in use.
Nature	Can vary in size based on zoning and development norms.	Fixed area measure of 2,400 sq ft, though minor local variations may occur as it is a regional unit.
Common Application	Applied in both urban and suburban developments.	Often referenced in local property layouts and approvals.

Difference Between Square Meter and Hectare

Knowing sq meter vs hectare conversions ensures the correct interpretation of area measurements during appraisals or land documentation.

Aspect	Square Metre	Hectare
Definition	Metric unit of area measurement	A larger metric unit used for expansive land
Size	1 sq m = 10.76 sq ft	1 hectare = 10,000 sq m
Usage	Suitable for apartments and small plots	Used for agricultural or large-scale land parcels
Legal Standard	Part of the metric system	Standard unit under international land records

Decoding Land Measurements for Confident Property Ownership

Understanding what is the standard unit of measuring land and how it varies regionally is crucial for informed decision-making. From acres to cents, India’s diverse land measurement units highlight the importance of consistent documentation, local due diligence, and verified records. Using a reliable land measurement chart helps buyers and investors align valuation, disclosure, and compliance across different states, ensuring clarity and confidence in every real estate transaction.

Whether investing in residential plots or ready homes, developments by L&T Realty ensure that all land and unit measurements adhere to RERA and government regulations, providing buyers with full transparency and confidence in ownership.

FAQs

What is the unit of land measurement?

The standard unit of measuring land in India is the square metre, though traditional units like Bigha, Acre, and Cent are also widely used. The preferred unit often depends on the state or region.

How to calculate sq feet of land?

To find the area in square feet, multiply the land’s length by its width in feet. For example, a 40 ft by 30 ft plot equals 1,200 sq ft.

What are the 7 main units of measurement?

The seven commonly used land measurement units in India are Acre, Hectare, Bigha, Cent, Guntha, Katha, and Square Foot. Each varies based on regional practices.

How is land size calculated?

Land size is calculated by multiplying the length and width of the plot. For irregular shapes, surveyors divide the land into measurable sections for accuracy.

Formula:

Land Area (in sq ft) = Length (in ft) × Width (in ft)

How do you calculate the size of land?

Measure the length and width using a measuring tape or survey tool, then multiply both dimensions to get the total land area measurement.

**What is the size of 30 * 40 land?**

A 30 x 40 plot means 30 feet in width and 40 feet in length, resulting in a total area of 1,200 sq ft.

How many sq ft is a 30×40?

A 30×40 site has an area of 1,200 square feet, which is typically suitable for constructing a medium-sized home or duplex.

What is the size of 50 by 100 land?

A 50×100 plot measures 50 feet in width and 100 feet in length, giving a total of 5,000 sq ft of land area.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is generic and is shared for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your circumstances. You are recommended to obtain specific professional advice before you take any action/decision. The content is subject to change due to updates in laws or regulations; hence, you are recommended to check the information before taking an action/decision. L&T Realty does not claim that the information given in this article is completely true and accurate.