What is an Acre? Definition, History & Uses
Learn what an acre is, its history, how to calculate it, and its uses in land measurement. Complete guide with conversion formulas to other units.
What is an Acre?
An acre is one of the oldest and most widely recognized units of land measurement. It is primarily used for measuring agricultural land, forests, and large areas of property.
1 acre = 43,560 square feet or 1 acre = 4,046.86 square meters
To put it in perspective, an acre is roughly the size of a football field (an international football/soccer pitch is approximately 1.32 acres).
History of the Acre
The word "acre" comes from the Old English word "æcer," meaning "open field." In medieval England, an acre was defined as the amount of land that could be plowed in one day by a yoke of oxen.
Historical Definition
- Original measurement: 1 furlong (660 feet) × 1 chain (66 feet)
- This equals 4,840 square yards or 43,560 square feet
Acre Calculation Formula
To calculate area in acres, use the following formula:
Area (acres) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) ÷ 43,560
Example
If a plot of land is 330 feet long and 132 feet wide:
Area = (330 × 132) ÷ 43,560 = 43,560 ÷ 43,560 = 1 acre
Converting Acres to Other Units
| Unit | Conversion Value |
|---|---|
| Square Feet | 1 acre = 43,560 sq ft |
| Square Meters | 1 acre = 4,046.86 sq m |
| Square Yards | 1 acre = 4,840 sq yd |
| Hectare | 1 acre = 0.4047 hectare |
| Bigha | 1 acre = 3.025 bigha (Bangladesh) |
| Katha | 1 acre = 60.5 katha (Bangladesh) |
| Decimal | 1 acre = 100 decimal |
Uses of Acres
Acres are commonly used in the following areas:
1. Agricultural Land
- Measuring crop fields
- Garden and plantation sizes
- Irrigation project planning
2. Real Estate
- Large plot and land transactions
- Housing development projects
- Industrial area allocation
3. Forestry & Environment
- Measuring forest areas
- Protected zone sizes
- Park and garden measurements
4. Government & Legal
- Land surveys and records
- Public land allocation
- Tax assessments
Acre Usage Around the World
While the metric system (hectares) is more common globally, acres are still widely used in:
- United States: Primary unit for land measurement
- United Kingdom: Common in real estate
- India, Bangladesh, Pakistan: Used alongside local units
- Canada: Used in western provinces
- Australia: Historical usage, now mostly hectares
Regional Comparisons
| Region | 1 Acre Equals |
|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 3.025 Bigha |
| West Bengal | 3.025 Bigha |
| Bihar | 1.6 Bigha |
| Punjab | 8 Kanal |
Acre vs Other Units
| Comparison | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 1 Hectare | = 2.47 acres |
| 1 Square Kilometer | = 247.11 acres |
| 1 Square Mile | = 640 acres |
| 1 Bigha (Bangladesh) | = 0.33 acres |
Advantages of Using Acres
- International Recognition: Widely accepted unit globally
- Large Areas: Easy to express vast land areas
- Legal Documents: Standard in property records
- Agricultural Planning: Convenient for crop yield calculations
Tips for Accurate Measurement
- Professional Surveyor: Hire a surveyor for large properties
- GPS Technology: Use modern GPS devices for accuracy
- Document Verification: Cross-reference with old records
- Boundary Marking: Maintain clear property boundaries
Common Questions About Acres
How many houses can fit in one acre?
Depending on plot sizes (typically 5-10 katha per house), approximately 6-12 houses can fit in one acre.
How much rice can one acre produce?
In Bangladesh, one acre typically yields 1.5-2 tons (30-40 maunds) of rice.
What's the difference between acre and hectare?
Hectare is a metric unit (10,000 square meters), while acre is an imperial unit (43,560 square feet). 1 hectare = 2.47 acres.
Conclusion
The acre is a traditional and essential unit for land measurement. Understanding acres is crucial for agriculture, real estate, and legal purposes. Use our Acre Converter to easily convert between acres and other units.