Understanding Plot Sizes, Units & Measurements: Katha, Bigha, Sq ft, Acres

A comprehensive guide to help you decode how land is measured in India — from Katha to Bigha, Square Feet to Acres — with regional variations, conversion tables, and practical tips.

What Are Land Measurement Units?

When you hear terms like Bigha, Katha, Sq Ft, Acres — these are simply different units used to describe area, typically of land. Much like how metres measure length (versus feet, or yards), area has units too. The choice of unit depends on history, culture, local practice, legal/official records, and what people are accustomed to.

Why These Traditional Units Persist

• Legacy / historical practices

• Laws and land registry often still use traditional units

• Local familiarity — people understand them better than metric units sometimes

• Real estate and agriculture sectors heavily use them

The Role of Standard Units Like Square Meter, Hectare

While traditional units are common, India (and many countries) also use metric units: square metre (sq m), hectare, etc. These provide consistency. But for many buyers/sellers, understanding both traditional + metric is essential.

Introducing the Key Units: Square Feet, Acres, Bigha, and Katha

Here we define each unit, approximate size, and how they relate.

Square Feet (Sq Ft)

• Square foot is a metric‐independent, imperial/US customary unit of area.

• 1 square foot = area of a square of 1 foot side.

• Used heavily in India for residential plot sizes, building plans, small land parcels.

Acre

• An acre is another imperial unit, widely used in agriculture, large land parcels.

• 1 acre = 43,560 square feet (approx. 4,047 square metres).

Bigha

• Bigha (also spelled Beegha) is a traditional unit of land area used in many parts of India, Bangladesh, Nepal.

• The catch: its size is not uniform — it changes by state or even district.

• Example values:

  • In Assam / West Bengal: 1 Bigha = 14,400 sq ft.

  • In Bihar (some parts): 1 Bigha = ~ 27,220‑27,225 sq ft.

  • In Himachal Pradesh: approx. 8,712 sq ft.

Katha

• Katha (also Kattha) is a smaller traditional unit, often a subunit of Bigha.

• Like Bigha, the size of Katha varies by region.

• Example values:

  • In West Bengal: 1 Katha = 720 sq ft.

  • In Assam: 1 Katha = 2,880 sq ft.

  • In Bihar (Patna & Arrah areas): ~ 1,361.25 sq ft.

Regional Variations in India – Why Sizes Differ

One of the biggest challenges when dealing with traditional units is that they are not standardized. Here are reasons and examples.

Historical, administrative, and legal legacies

• British colonial survey and land revenue systems used certain measurements; after independence, different regions adopted or kept variants.

• Local customs, topography, agricultural practices influenced what made sense.

Examples of Variation by State / District

How Many Kathas in a Bigha?

• Often 20 Kathas = 1 Bigha in many places.

• But sometimes fewer: e.g., Assam uses 5 Kathas per Bigha.

Conversion Formulas & Tables

Here are the formulas, conversion factors, and tables to help you convert between units.

Basic Conversion Formulas

• To convert sq ft to acres: divide sq ft by 43,560

• To convert acres to sq ft: multiply acres by 43,560

• To convert Katha to sq ft: depends on regional value of Katha (see region)

• To convert Bigha to sq ft: depends on regional Bigha value

• To convert Katha ↔ Bigha: usually number of Kathas per Bigha (often 20, sometimes 5 etc)

Tables of Common Conversions

Table: Some Standard Values of Bigha in sq ft by Region

Table: Some Standard Values of Katha in sq ft by Region

Table: Conversion Examples

Conversion Formula Samples

If you know the value of Bigha in your region, you can do:

Area in sq ft = (Number of Bighas × sq ft per Bigha) + (Number of Kathas × sq ft per Katha) + …

Similarly, to convert from sq ft to Bigha/Katha:

Area in Bighas = total sq ft ÷ (sq ft per Bigha)

Then remainder sq ft can be converted to Kathas etc.

Practical Applications — How to Use These Units When Buying/Selling Land

Knowing the units is one thing; using them correctly is crucial in real estate transactions.

Before You Buy

• Check local registry / cadastre to see what standard unit is used in that area.

• Ask “How many Katha per Bigha here?”

• Ask what the seller means by “Katha” in square feet (because it may differ).

Calculating Cost

If land is priced per sq ft, but you know area in Bigha/Katha, convert to sq ft first to compute cost.

Example:

• If “1 Katha” = 720 sq ft, and price per sq ft is ₹500; then cost of 1 Katha = 720 × 500 = ₹360,000.

Planning & Documentation

• For land records, mortgage/home loans, legal documents, it’s safer to quote area in both traditional units and standard units like sq ft / sq m / acres.

• In engineering / construction, site plans often require metric units or sq ft.

Mapping Real‑Life Visuals

Sometimes people find it hard to imagine area size — using comparisons helps:

• A standard tennis court is about 2,800‑3,000 sq ft

• A 2‑car garage maybe ~ 400‑600 sq ft

• Visualizing plots helps avoid misunderstandings

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Assuming Uniformity

Mistake: assuming 1 Bigha everywhere equals the same size.

Fix: Always confirm local definition.

Relying Only on Local Traditions (without measurement)

Mistake: saying “It’s 5 Kathas” without measuring — sometimes people mis‑report or estimate.

Fix: Use measuring tools, survey plans, or ask for official documents.

Ignoring Metric Units

Especially if dealing with government departments, bank loans, or interstate property, metric units (sq m, hectares) are often needed.

Fix: Always convert and keep both units.

Mis‑interpreting Fractions & Mixed Units

When someone says “1 Bigha, 5 Kathas, 10 sq ft” – converting mixed units can lead to errors.

Fix: Convert everything to the smallest unit (e.g. sq ft) first, then recompose if needed.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How many square feet is 1 Bigha?

Answer: It depends on region. For example, in Assam / West Bengal ~ 14,400 sq ft; in Bihar (Patna etc.) ~ 27,220 sq ft; in Himachal Pradesh ~ 8,712 sq ft. Always verify local standard. Navi Mumbai Houses+2Kotak+2

Q2: How many Kathas make a Bigha?

Answer: Usually 20 Kathas = 1 Bigha in many places; but in Assam it could be 5. Wikipedia+1

Q3: How to convert Katha to Acre?

Answer:

1. Determine your region’s value: how many sq ft in your Katha.

2. Use:

Acres=Katha×(sq ft per Katha)43,560\text{Acres} = \frac{\text{Katha} \times (\text{sq ft per Katha})}{43,560}Acres=43,560Katha×(sq ft per Katha)​

For example, in West Bengal where 1 Katha = 720 sq ft:

1  Katha=72043,560≈0.0165  Acre1\; \text{Katha} = \frac{720}{43,560} \approx 0.0165\; \text{Acre} 1Katha=43,560720​≈0.0165Acre

Q4: What is “Decimal” in land measure?

• In many parts of India, Decimal is used: 1 Decimal = 1/100 of an Acre = 435.56 sq ft approximately.

• It is a simpler way to talk about fractions of an acre rather than using Kathas or Bighas.

Q5: Should I insist on metric units?

Yes. Metric units (square metre, hectare) are standard, easier to compare, and less ambiguous. Even if local sales are in traditional units, having metric values helps avoid misunderstandings.

Conclusion

Understanding land measurement units like Katha, Bigha, Square Feet, and Acres is essential if you’re dealing with land in India — buying, selling, or even just evaluating value.

Key takeaways:

• Traditional units vary widely by region.

• Always confirm what “one Katha” or “one Bigha” means in that specific area.

• Keep metric or standard units handy as second reference.

• Use conversion tools or tables to ensure accuracy.

When you combine knowledge + verification + conversion, you avoid costly mistakes and gain clarity, whether you’re a buyer, seller, developer, or just curious.

Nature’s Paradise by Rupbasuda Developers — “Ready to Move” Plots

After covering what to check, here is detailed, well‑organized information about Nature’s Paradise, a township project by Rupbasuda Developers, to help you evaluate whether it meets those criteria and whether it might be a good option for you or others.

Project Overview

Plot Size, Type & Pricing

Amenities & Infrastructure

Location Advantages & Growth Potential

• Close proximity (2.6 km) to Joka Metro adds value and future ease of commute.
  
• Diamond Harbour Road (NH‑117) is a major route; improved highways/roads often lead to value appreciation.
  
• Many well‑known apartment projects in the vicinity (Emami Astha, Godrej Seven Elevate, Gems Bouganvilla, DTC Sojan, Eden Amantran, Solaris, Rajat by Avante etc.), often priced in crores, which suggests the area is already drawing premium development.
  

Payment & Booking Terms

Potential Pros & Things to Check

Pros:

• Affordable entry point for middle class — both residential and commercial plots in the stated price range.
  
• Ready to move status reduces waiting time; some infrastructure already in place.
  
• Strong potential for appreciation because of upcoming metro, highway road works, location.
  
• Amenities are planned; community features suggest a self‑contained township rather than isolated plots.
  

Things you should still verify (using the checklist above):

• Confirm zoning status and whether NA conversion (if needed) has been done.
  
• Check encumbrance certificate to ensure clear title.
  
• Ensure all NOCs, permissions, layout plan approvals are legal and in order.
  
• Physical ground check: slope, drainage, whether land is flood‑prone.
  
• Exact road access: condition of roads, whether approach to your plot is via public road.
  
• Surrounding environment: whether neighbouring plots are being developed, quality, types of constructions.
  
• Utility access and readiness: water, electricity, sewage.
  
• Confirm any government notifications/plans that may require surrendering land or affect use.
  

Why This Might Be The Best Time to Buy

• With metro station planned by end of 2028, road improvements, and area being developed, plots may gain significant capital appreciation.
  
• Since many high‑end projects in the area are already valued in crores, a plot bought now at a few lakh rupees can deliver large value growth in coming years.
  
• Entry‑level price and flexible payment (0% EMI over 36 months) reduces the financial burden and risk.
  

How to Proceed (if Interested)

1. Arrange a site visit to Nature’s Paradise. Survey multiple plots; compare premium vs non‑premium.
   
2. Bring along a legal expert to verify documents.
   
3. Ask developer / Dedicated Real Estate for copies of title deed, NA conversion (if applicable), EC, layout plan, approved plan, NOCs etc.
   
4. Check the condition of internal roads, availability of utilities.
   
5. Discuss payment schedule, any additional charges.
   

Contact Details

Dedicated Real Estate

• Phone: +91 6291422636
  
• Email: info@dedicatedrealestate.in
  
• Website: www.dedicatedrealestate.in
  

Office Location: Near Thakurpukur 3A Bus Stand, Kolkata