When it comes to land measurement, different countries and regions use a variety of units. In India, square meters and bigha are commonly used to measure land area, but they belong to different measurement systems. Square meter is a metric unit used globally, while bigha is an old traditional unit that is still widely used in rural and agricultural regions of India.
Understanding how to convert square meters to bigha is essential, especially if you are involved in real estate, farming, or land development. Conversions allow you to accurately assess land sizes, calculate costs, and ensure fairness in transactions. However, since the value of one bigha can vary by region, it is important to have a clear understanding of the conversion formula and how to apply it correctly.
If you are looking to leverage your land for financial purposes, having the right land measurements is critical when applying for a loan against property. Accurate knowledge of the land's size ensures that you can estimate its value correctly and secure the best terms for your loan.
Read on to understand the conversion formula from square meters to bigha, provide a useful conversion table, and offer a step-by-step guide on how to do the conversion.
What is square meter?
A square meter (m²) is the standard unit of area measurement in the International System of Units (SI). It represents the area of a square with each side measuring exactly one meter in length. This unit is widely used across the world for measuring land, floor space, and other two-dimensional surfaces. The square meter is essential in various fields such as real estate, construction, and urban planning because it provides a clear and uniform way to quantify space. For example, property sizes, apartment floor plans, and agricultural land areas are commonly expressed in square meters. The adoption of the square meter simplifies comparisons and calculations, as it is part of the metric system, which is decimal-based and easy to convert. One square meter equals 10.764 square feet or about 1.196 square yards. Understanding this unit helps individuals and professionals accurately assess space requirements and property dimensions.
History of square meter
The square meter is the standard unit of area measurement in the International System of Units (SI), widely used worldwide for measuring land, buildings, and other surfaces. Its origin dates back to the late 18th century during the French Revolution when the metric system was developed to create a universal and consistent system of measurement. The square meter is defined as the area of a square with sides measuring one meter each. This unit replaced many traditional, inconsistent regional units, helping to standardize measurements globally. Over time, the square meter became essential in fields such as architecture, real estate, and land surveying. Today, it is the most recognised metric unit for area measurement, used in almost every country except a few that still rely on imperial units. Its simplicity and universal acceptance make it a critical tool for scientific, commercial, and legal applications involving area measurement.
Square meter to other conversion units
One square meter equals 10.764 square feet, 1.196 square yards, and 0.000247 acres, making it a versatile metric unit for converting area measurements across different systems worldwide.
Unit of area |
Conversion unit |
1 Square Meter to Sq.Ft. |
10.76 |
1 Square Meter to Acre |
0.00025 |
1 Square Meter to Sq.Yd. |
1.2 |
1 Square Meter to Cent |
0.024 |
1 Square Meter to Gaj |
1.2 gaj |
1 Square Meter to Hectare |
0.0001 |
1 Square Meter to Guntha |
0.0098 |
1 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.0004 |
1 Square Meter to Marla |
0.039 |
1 Square Meter to Decimal |
0.024 |
1 Square Meter to Ares |
0.01 |
1 Square Meter to Katha |
0.0079 |
1 Square Meter to Dismil |
0.024 |
1 Square Meter to Gajam |
1.2 |
1 Square Meter to Dhur |
0.15 |
1 Square Meter to Perch |
0.039 |
1 Square Meter to Sq.In. |
1550.0 |
1 Square Meter to Ground |
0.0044 |
1 Square Meter to Sq.Karam |
0.35 |
1 Square Meter to Lessa |
0.15 |
1 Square Meter to Biswa Kacha |
0.0039 |
1 Square Meter to Chatak |
0.23 |
1 Square Meter to Biswa |
0.0079 |
1 Square Meter to Kanal |
0.0019 |
1 Square Meter to Ankanam |
0.14 |
1 Square Meter to Nali |
0.0049 |
History of Bigha
The Bigha is a traditional unit of land measurement commonly used in parts of India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Its origins trace back to ancient agricultural practices where land was measured based on the amount that could be ploughed in a day. However, the size of a bigha varies widely across regions, ranging from 1,500 to 6,771 square meters, causing confusion in land transactions. Despite the adoption of the metric system, the bigha remains popular in rural and semi-urban areas for land dealings. Over time, efforts have been made to standardize its size regionally, but it continues to be an important cultural and practical unit of land measurement in South Asia.
Bigha to other conversion units
Bigha varies regionally but typically equals between 1,500 to 6,771 square meters. It converts to acres, hectares, and square feet depending on local standards in different parts of South Asia.
Unit of area |
Conversion |
1 Bigha to Acre |
0.62 |
1 Bigha to Hectare |
0.25 |
1 Bigha to Gaj |
3025.03 |
1 Bigha to Biswa |
20.17 |
1 Bigha to Katha |
20.0 |
1 Bigha to Guntha |
25.0 |
1 Bigha to Sq.Mt. |
2529.29 |
1 Bigha to Sq.Yd. |
3025 |
1 Bigha to Kanal |
5.0 |
1 Bigha to Dismil |
62.51 |
1 Bigha to Decimal |
62.51 |
1 Bigha to Nali |
12.6 |
1 Bigha to Killa |
0.62 |
1 Bigha to Ground |
11.34 |
1 Bigha to Sq.Karam |
900.0 |
1 Bigha to Sq.Km. |
0.0025 |
1 Bigha to Murabba |
0.025 |
1 Bigha to Lessa |
400.0 |
1 Bigha to Cent |
62.51 |
1 Bigha to Biswa Kacha |
10.0 |
1 Bigha to Marla |
100.0 |
1 Bigha to Chatak |
605.0 |
1 Bigha to Dhur |
400.0 |
1 Bigha to Pura |
0.47 |
1 Bigha to Ares |
25.29 |
1 Bigha to Ankanam |
378.12 |
1 Bigha to Gajam |
3025 |
1 Bigha to Perch |
100 |
Square meter to bigha conversion: formula and calculation
To convert square meters to bigha, we need to know the standard conversion factor. However, the conversion from square meters to bigha is not straightforward because bigha is a traditional unit, and its size can vary depending on the region.
For accurate and quick conversions, you can use an area conversion calculator. These tools allow you to input the area in square meters and instantly calculate the equivalent in bigha, taking into account regional variations. Using an area conversion calculator ensures you avoid errors and make informed decisions, whether you are buying, selling, or seeking a loan against property. Accurate land measurements are crucial for determining the value of your property and securing the right financing options.
1 Bigha = 2,400 to 2,500 square meters
This means that in most cases, one bigha is roughly equal to 2,400 to 2,500 square meters. You can use this range as an average when making conversions.
Basic formula:
Bigha = Square meters ÷ 2,400 to 2,500
For example, if you have 5,000 square meters of land, and you are using the average conversion of 2,400 square meters per bigha, the calculation would be:
5,000 ÷ 2,400 = 2.08 Bigha
Alternatively, if you use 2,500 square meters per bigha, the calculation would be:5,000 ÷ 2,500 = 2 Bigha
This simple formula gives you an idea of the land’s area in bighas.
Square meter to bigha conversion
A conversion table is an excellent tool to quickly find the equivalent value of square meters in bigha.
Square Meter (Sqm) |
Bigha |
1 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.00 Bigha |
2 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.001 Bigha |
3 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.001 Bigha |
4 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.002 Bigha |
5 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.002 Bigha |
6 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.002 Bigha |
7 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.003 Bigha |
8 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.003 Bigha |
9 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.004 Bigha |
10 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.004 Bigha |
11 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.004 Bigha |
12 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.005 Bigha |
13 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.005 Bigha |
14 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.006 Bigha |
15 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.006 Bigha |
16 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.006 Bigha |
17 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.007 Bigha |
18 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.007 Bigha |
19 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.008 Bigha |
20 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.008 Bigha |
1000 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.42 Bigha |
2000 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.84 Bigha |
2500 Square Meter to Bigha |
1.04 Bigha |
5000 Square Meter to Bigha |
2.08 Bigha |
10000 Square Meter to Bigha |
4.17 Bigha |
15000 Square Meter to Bigha |
6.25 Bigha |
20000 Square Meter to Bigha |
8.33 Bigha |
25000 Square Meter to Bigha |
10.42 Bigha |
How to convert square meters to bigha?
A step-by-step process for converting square meters into bigha:
Step 1: Identify the area in square meters
Begin by determining the total area of land that you need to convert. This could be a piece of land that you are looking to buy or sell, or it might be for agricultural purposes.
Step 2: Choose the correct conversion factor
Since bigha varies by region, you need to determine the conversion factor for your specific area. If you’re unsure, the general rule of2,400 to 2,500 square meters per bigha works for most regions. For more precise calculations, it’s best to check local standards.
Step 3: Divide the square meters by the conversion factor
Once you have the number of square meters and the conversion factor, divide the number of square meters by the conversion factor. For example, if you have6,000 square meters and are using2,400 square meters per bigha:
6,000 ÷ 2,400 = 2.5 Bigha
Step 4: Round the result
Depending on the context, you may want to round the result to a more convenient number of decimal places. In this case,2.5 bigha is already a straightforward result.
Step 5: Double-check your work
Always double-check your work, especially when dealing with property transactions. Even small errors in conversion can lead to significant differences in the land’s value or size.
What is a Square Meter?
A square metre is a standard international unit used worldwide to measure two-dimensional spaces such as land, floors or rooms. Represented as sq. m or m², it refers to the area of a square with each side measuring one metre.
When measuring property, the area increases with the square of its linear dimensions. This means that if you double the length of each side, the total area becomes four times larger.
Square Meter to Other Conversion Units
Unit of Area |
Conversion Unit |
1 Square Meter to Sq.Ft. |
10.76 Sq. Ft |
1 Square Meter to Acre |
0.00025 Acre |
1 Square Meter to Sq.Yd. |
1.2 Sq. Yd. |
1 Square Meter to Cent |
0.024 Cent |
1 Square Meter to Gaj |
1.2 Gaj |
1 Square Meter to Hectare |
0.0001 Hectare |
1 Square Meter to Guntha |
0.0098 Guntha |
1 Square Meter to Bigha |
0.0004 Bigha |
1 Square Meter to Marla |
0.039 Marla |
1 Square Meter to Decimal |
0.024 Decimal |
1 Square Meter to Ares |
0.01 Ares |
1 Square Meter to Katha |
0.0079 Katha |
1 Square Meter to Dismil |
0.024 Dismil |
1 Square Meter to Gajam |
1.2 Gajam |
1 Square Meter to Dhur |
0.15 Dhur |
1 Square Meter to Perch |
0.039 Perch |
1 Square Meter to Sq.In. |
1550 Sq.In |
1 Square Meter to Ground |
0.0044 Ground |
1 Square Meter to Sq.Karam |
0.35 Sq. Karam |
1 Square Meter to Lessa |
0.15 Lessa |
1 Square Meter to Biswa Kacha |
0.0039 Biswa Kacha |
1 Square Meter to Chatak |
0.23 Chatak |
1 Square Meter to Biswa |
0.0079 Biswa |
1 Square Meter to Kanal |
0.0019 Kanal |
1 Square Meter to Ankanam |
0.14 Ankanam |
1 Square Meter to Nali |
0.0049 Nali |
What is Bigha?
Bigha is a traditional land measurement unit widely used across several North Indian states, including Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand. Its value, however, varies significantly from one state to another.
In many regions, pucca (pakka) bigha is the standard unit, especially in Rajasthan and parts of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Kuchha bigha was historically used by landlords when dealing with tenants, leading to further variations in measurement.
Regional variations in bigha measurements across India
One of the key challenges when converting square meters to bigha is that the size of a bigha can vary depending on the region of India. The concept of bigha is not standardised across the country, and its value can differ greatly from state to state. For example:
In Punjab and Haryana, 1 bigha is generally considered to be 2,500 square meters.
In Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, 1 bigha is often considered to be 2,400 square meters.
In Bihar and Jharkhand, 1 bigha could be as large as 3,000 square meters.
In some parts of Rajasthan, the size of a bigha may vary between 1,800 to 2,000 square meters.Because of these regional variations, it is crucial to know the specific conversion factor for the area you are working with. Always confirm the local standard for bigha before making any important calculations or decisions regarding land.
Why accurate land measurement conversion matters in real estate?
Accurate land measurement is crucial in real estate, especially when buying or selling property. Here is why:
Fair transactions: Using the correct conversion ensures that both parties in a real estate transaction are getting a fair deal based on the actual land size.
Property valuation: Land value is often calculated based on the area, and inaccurate measurements could lead to incorrect pricing, affecting investments and profits.
Legal and regulatory compliance: Property documents need to accurately reflect the land area in order to avoid legal issues related to land ownership and transactions.
Development and construction: Developers use land measurements for construction planning. Accurate measurements ensure the project stays on track with the correct material quantities and space utilisation.
Common mistakes to avoid when converting square meters to bigha
While converting square meters to bigha may seem simple, there are several common mistakes to watch out for:
Using the wrong conversion factor: As we discussed, bigha varies by region. Always ensure you use the correct conversion factor for the area in question.
Forgetting to divide: Some people mistakenly multiply square meters by the conversion factor instead of dividing. Remember, you need to divide the square meters by the conversion factor to get bighas.
Rounding too early: Rounding the result too early can cause errors in your final calculation. Always try to keep as much precision as possible before rounding off.
Not checking local standards: If you are dealing with a specific piece of land, always confirm the local measurement standards for bigha. Don’t rely on assumptions based on general knowledge.
Ignoring changes in land size: If land is irregularly shaped, the measurement might not be exact, even if it’s calculated in square meters. In such cases, it’s better to have the land surveyed.
Tools and calculators for square meter to bigha conversion
Several online tools and calculators are available that can help you convert square meters to bigha quickly. Here are some options:
Online conversion tools: Few online websites offer free tools for converting square meters to bigha.
Mobile apps: Many mobile apps also provide unit conversion capabilities.
Custom calculators: For those who need more specific conversions based on regional factors, some apps and websites allow you to input custom values for bigha.
Conclusion
In conclusion, converting square meters to bigha is a valuable skill for anyone dealing with land in India, where bigha remains a common unit, particularly in rural and agricultural regions. By familiarising yourself with the conversion formula, utilising a conversion table, and following a simple step-by-step guide, you can confidently convert between square meters and bigha. Accurate conversions ensure fair land transactions and help avoid errors in real estate deals or agricultural planning.
Additionally, when seeking financial support through a mortgage loan, knowing the accurate size and value of your property is crucial. Understanding land measurements, such as converting square meters to bigha, helps you assess your property's worth and secure the best possible loan terms. Always consider regional variations and use reliable tools to make the conversion process easier and more precise. This ensures a smooth and informed experience, whether you are buying, selling, or using land as collateral.
Related Area Conversion Units
Understanding commonly used land conversion units helps simplify property measurement across Indian states, making comparisons easier for buyers, sellers and developers during real estate transactions.