Buying, selling, or surveying property in India can be bewildering because land measurement units vary dramatically from state to state. While the global standard is square feet, square meters, or hectares, local patwaris and revenue records use regional heritage units like Bigha, Biswa, Katha, Gunta, Ground, Cent, and Gaj.
Crucially, a "Bigha" in Uttar Pradesh is NOT the same size as a "Bigha" in Rajasthan, Bihar, or Punjab. Understanding these exact state-wise conversions is vital to avoid disputes and overpaying for real estate.
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North India: Bigha, Biswa, and Biswansi
- Uttar Pradesh: 1 Pucca Bigha = 27,225 sq ft (3,025 sq gaj). 1 Bigha = 20 Biswa. In Western UP, Kuccha Bigha is often 1/3rd of a Pucca Bigha (9,075 sq ft).
- Punjab & Haryana: 1 Bigha = 9,075 sq ft. 1 Bigha = 20 Biswa. Additionally, 1 Killa / Acre = 4 Bighas = 8 Kanals = 160 Marlas.
- Bihar: 1 Bigha = 27,225 sq ft (equal to 20 Katha; 1 Katha = 20 Dhur).
- Rajasthan: 1 Bigha = 27,225 sq ft in irrigated areas (Pucca), but varies from 17,424 to 27,225 sq ft in un-irrigated zones.
South India: Gunta, Ground, Cent, and Ankanam
- Maharashtra, Karnataka & Telangana: 1 Gunta = 1,089 sq ft (121 sq yards). 40 Guntas make 1 Acre (43,560 sq ft).
- Tamil Nadu: 1 Ground = 2,400 sq ft. 1 Cent = 435.6 sq ft. 100 Cents make 1 Acre.
- Andhra Pradesh: 1 Ankanam = 72 sq ft in coastal AP, or 36 sq ft in Rayalaseema.
How Gaj and Square Yards Relate
Across Delhi, Haryana, and North Indian residential colonies, plot sizes are universally spoken of in "Gaj" (or Gaz):
- 1 Square Gaj (Gaz) = 1 Square Yard = 9 Square Feet.
- A 100 Gaj plot = 900 sq ft.
- A 200 Gaj plot = 1,800 sq ft.
Irregular Plot Triangulation (Surveyor Heron's Formula)
Real-world plots are rarely perfect rectangles. When opposite boundary sides are uneven (e.g. Front 40 ft, Back 45 ft, Left 60 ft, Right 70 ft), simple multiplication (Width x Length) produces completely inaccurate results.
Surveyors divide 4-sided irregular plots into two triangles using an internal diagonal measurement. You can calculate your exact irregular plot area with: thetoolss.com/tool/irregular-plot-calculator
Complete Indian Land Calculator Suite
- All-India State Land Converter: thetoolss.com/tool/land-area-calculator
- Bigha & Biswa Specialist: thetoolss.com/tool/bigha-converter
- Irregular Plot Area Calculator: thetoolss.com/tool/irregular-plot-calculator
- Boundary Fencing & Pole Cost: thetoolss.com/tool/plot-perimeter-calculator