How to Calculate Square Feet
Calculating area in square feet is fundamental to every property transaction in India. Whether you are buying a flat in Mumbai, a plot in Jaipur, or agricultural land in Kerala, understanding area measurements is essential. The formula is simple: Area (sq ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft). For rooms measured in feet and inches, convert inches to decimal feet first — for example, 12 feet 6 inches = 12.5 feet.
For irregularly shaped rooms or plots, divide the area into rectangular sections, calculate each section's area separately, and add them together. For triangular sections, use: Area = ½ × Base × Height. For circular areas (like a cylindrical column), use: Area = π × radius². Most property areas in India, however, are rectangular and the simple length × width formula suffices.
Indian Land Measurement Units Explained
India uses a variety of land measurement units that vary by region. This creates confusion, especially for buyers purchasing property in a different state. Here is a comprehensive guide:
North India: Gaj, Marla, Kanal, Bigha
- Gaj (गज): 1 gaj = 1 square yard = 9 square feet. Used extensively in Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana. When someone says "200 gaj plot," they mean 200 × 9 = 1,800 sq ft.
- Marla (मरला): 1 marla = 272.25 sq ft = 30.25 sq yards. Common in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. A "5 marla house" = 1,361 sq ft, and "10 marla" = 2,722 sq ft.
- Kanal (कनाल): 1 kanal = 20 marla = 5,445 sq ft. Used in Punjab, J&K, and Himachal Pradesh for larger plots. 1 kanal is approximately ⅛ of an acre.
- Bigha (बीघा): Varies by state. In UP and Rajasthan, 1 bigha ≈ 27,000 sq ft. In West Bengal, 1 bigha ≈ 14,400 sq ft. In Gujarat, 1 bigha ≈ 17,427 sq ft. Always confirm the local standard.
West India: Guntha, Acre
- Guntha (गुंठा): 1 guntha = 1,089 sq ft. Used in Maharashtra and Karnataka, especially for agricultural land. 40 guntha = 1 acre.
- Acre: 1 acre = 43,560 sq ft = 4,840 sq yards. Used across India for large land parcels. In Maharashtra, 1 acre = 40 guntha. In Tamil Nadu, 1 acre = 100 cents.
South India: Cent, Ground, Ankanam
- Cent (सेंट): 1 cent = 435.6 sq ft. Used in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Karnataka. 100 cents = 1 acre. A common residential plot in Kerala is 5-10 cents (2,178-4,356 sq ft).
- Ground (ग्राउंड): 1 ground = 2,400 sq ft. Used exclusively in Tamil Nadu, especially Chennai. Property prices in Chennai are often quoted per ground.
- Ankanam: 1 ankanam = 72 sq ft. Used in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. 1 acre = 605 ankanam.
Carpet Area vs Built-Up Area vs Super Built-Up Area
Understanding the difference between these three area measurements is critical when buying property in India. Before RERA, many developers quoted prices on super built-up area, inflating the apparent size by 30-45%. RERA now mandates carpet area pricing.
| Type | Includes | Typical % |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet Area | Usable floor area only (inside walls) | 60-75% of super built-up |
| Built-Up Area | Carpet area + wall thickness + balcony | 80-90% of super built-up |
| Super Built-Up Area | Built-up + share of common areas (lobby, stairs, lift, pool, gym) | 100% (base) |
Under RERA, check the carpet area on the RERA portal for the exact registered carpet area of your unit.
Common Property Sizes in India
Here are typical property sizes to help you visualize square footage:
| Property Type | Carpet Area Range | Super Built-Up Range |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 RK | 200-350 sq ft | 300-500 sq ft |
| 1 BHK | 350-500 sq ft | 500-700 sq ft |
| 2 BHK | 600-850 sq ft | 850-1,200 sq ft |
| 3 BHK | 950-1,400 sq ft | 1,400-2,000 sq ft |
| 4 BHK / Penthouse | 1,500-3,000 sq ft | 2,200-4,500 sq ft |
| Independent House | 1,000-5,000 sq ft | N/A |
| Plot (30×40) | 1,200 sq ft = 133 gaj = 4.4 marla | |
| Plot (40×60) | 2,400 sq ft = 267 gaj = 8.8 marla = 1 ground | |
Related Tools
Calculate the full cost of buying property with our other free tools: Stamp Duty Calculator for registration costs, EMI Calculator for home loan planning, and RERA Project Lookup to verify project registration. Browse all free tools.