India land units
India Land Measurement Units Guide
A practical guide to common Indian land units, where they are used, and why regional variation matters before comparing property records or listings.
Last reviewed: May 2026
Why Indian land units vary
India uses standard metric and imperial units alongside regional traditional units. A Bigha, Kattha, Marla, or Kanal can mean different area values depending on the state, district, or local record system.
Regional variation disclaimer
India unit comparison table
| Unit | Common use | Reference value | Variation note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square feet | Urban flats, plots, built-up area | Base listing unit | Standard |
| Square meter | Metric area records and plans | 1 sq m = 10.7639 sq ft | Standard |
| Acre | Large plots and agricultural land | 1 acre = 43,560 sq ft | Standard |
| Hectare | Metric large-area records | 1 hectare = 10,000 sq m | Standard |
| Bigha | Regional land listings | Varies by state | Do not use one national value |
| Kattha | Eastern and northern regional listings | Often related to Bigha locally | Varies by region |
| Marla | North India plot listings | Often 225 or 272.25 sq ft | Confirm local standard |
| Kanal | Punjab/Haryana/North India context | Usually 20 Marla | Marla size affects Kanal |
| Guntha | Maharashtra, Karnataka, nearby regions | Commonly 1,089 sq ft | Confirm local records |
| Ground | Tamil Nadu property context | Commonly 2,400 sq ft | Local practice matters |
| Cent | South India small plots | 1 cent = 435.6 sq ft | Common standard, still verify |
Use this guide with related tools
India land converter
Convert India units with selectable regional standards.
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Compare South Asian units
Compare converted areas across Nepal, India, Pakistan, and international units.
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Pakistan land converter
Review Marla and Kanal conversions where regional standards differ.
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India land measurement FAQ
Is Bigha the same across India?+
No. Bigha varies by state and local practice. Always confirm the local standard before comparing land values or documents.
Which Indian land units are safest for comparison?+
Square feet, square meter, acre, and hectare are standard reference units. Regional units should be converted only after selecting the correct local standard.
Can I use this guide for official registration?+
Use it for education and planning only. Official area, registration, duty, and tax decisions should be verified with local records and qualified professionals.