List of Land Measurement Units In India 2026 : Tables, Conversions And More

Land measurement units are ways to figure out how big a piece of land is. It's similar to how we measure the length of a room in meters or the weight of something in kilograms. Just like there are different ways to measure things like length and weight, there are also different ways to measure land. Different countries and even different parts of the same country use different units to measure land, depending on where it is or what kind of land it is.

List of Land Measurement Units That Are Used In India

1. Acre

An acre is one of the most commonly used land measurement units globally. It is particularly significant in rural and agricultural land transactions. In India, one acre is equivalent to 4840 square yards or approximately 4046.86 square metres. This unit is popular across regions due to its straightforward application, particularly for larger plots of land.

2. Hectare

The hectare is a metric unit widely used to measure large tracts of land, especially in agriculture. One hectare equals 10,000 square metres or approximately 2.47 acres. While it is less commonly used in urban real estate in India, it remains a preferred land measurement unit for farmland and large-scale land deals.

3. Bigha

Bigha is a traditional unit of land measurement still used in many parts of India, especially in the northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. The size of a bigha varies significantly across regions, from approximately 1600 to 3025 square yards. Understanding regional variations is essential when dealing with land measured in bighas.

4. Gaj

The term "Gaj" is often used in North India as a substitute for "square yard". One Gaj equals 9 square feet. This unit is commonly used for measuring smaller plots or properties, making it a popular term in urban real estate transactions.

5. Square Metre

The square metre is a universal metric unit for measuring area. It is particularly useful for precise and small-scale land measurements. For example, a residential apartment's area is often denoted in square metres. It is widely accepted and easily convertible to other units like square feet or acres.

6. Square Foot

Especially in urban and semi-urban areas, square foot is one of the most often used land measurement units. One square foot is equivalent to 144 square inches, or almost 0.0929 square meters. Its simplicity and familiarity make it rather popular for measurements of both residential and business properties.

7. Square Yard

Often used in India, square yard (also known as Gaj) is a conventional land measurement unit. One square yard is equivalent to 9 square feet or around 0.836 square meters. It is extensively used for measuring plots, homes, or small businesses in urban settings.

8. Katha

Katha is a regional land measurement unit predominantly used in Eastern India, including Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Like bigha, its value varies by region. For instance, one katha in Bihar is approximately 1361.25 square feet, while in West Bengal, it equals 720 square feet. It is crucial to check local standards when dealing with katha.

9. Guntha

Guntha is a traditional unit of land measurement widely used in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. One guntha equals 1089 square feet. It is commonly used for medium-sized agricultural or residential plots.

10. Biswa

Biswa is another regional land measurement unit predominantly used in northern parts of India like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. The size of one biswa varies across regions. For instance, one biswa in Uttar Pradesh may equal 48.4 square yards, while in Punjab, it can differ based on the locality.

11. Cent

A cent is a small land measurement unit used mainly in Southern India, especially in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. One cent equals 435.6 square feet. It is commonly used for measuring smaller residential or agricultural plots.

12. Decimal

Decimal is a land measurement unit popular in Eastern India, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. One decimal equals 48.4 square yards or approximately 435.6 square feet. This unit is especially useful for smaller land deals.

Common land measurement table

These conversions are commonly used for property survey and land measurements. 

Few common conversions for land measurement

Common land measurement units

North India

South India

East India

West India

Central India

Different regions across India use different area measurement units. Hence, it's advisable to understand how land is measured in India using various land measurement conversions and land measurement units before finalising transactions.
 

Difference between a plot and a ground

Before purchasing a plot or land(ground) it is important to understand the difference between the two. While the terms "plot" and "ground" are often used interchangeably, especially in the context of property listings, there is a subtle difference between them. A "plot" typically refers to any piece of land, regardless of size. It is a general term used to describe land for various purposes, including residential, commercial, or agricultural use.
 

On the other hand, a "ground" is a specific land measurement unit often used in South India, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu. One ground is equivalent to 2400 square feet or 24 "cents." It is primarily used for measuring land in urban and residential contexts.
 

What is the difference between square meter (sq m) and hectare?

The terms "square meter" (sq m) and "hectare" are both units of area measurement used globally, including in India. Here's the difference between them:
 

Square Meter (sq m): Square Meter (sq m): This metric unit measures a small area, defined by a one-meter square. It's commonly used for precise measurements like real estate.

Hectare (ha): This larger unit is used for broader measurements, like agricultural land. One hectare equals about 10,000 square meters or 2.47105 acres.