Acreage is the measurement of land in acres, and knowing how to calculate it is useful for farming, gardening, real estate, or construction projects. Whether your land is a perfect rectangle or an irregular shape, calculating acreage is simple once you know the steps.
Step 1: Measure the Length and Width of the Land
If your land is rectangular or square, use a measuring tape, surveyor’s wheel, or property records to get the length and width in feet. Accurate measurements are key to correct calculations.
Step 2: Multiply to Find the Square Footage
Multiply the length by the width to get the total square footage. For example, if your land is 200 feet long and 100 feet wide, the area is 20,000 square feet.
Step 3: Convert Square Feet to Acres
Since 1 acre equals 43,560 square feet, divide your square footage by 43,560. In the example above, 20,000 ÷ 43,560 = 0.46 acres.
Step 4: For Irregular Shapes, Divide the Land Into Sections
If your property isn’t a perfect rectangle, break it into smaller shapes like rectangles or triangles. Calculate the area of each smaller section and then add them together to get the total acreage.
Step 5: Use Online Acreage Calculators or Mapping Tools
If manual math feels overwhelming, use online calculators or apps like Google Earth. These tools let you draw your land’s shape on a map and get the acreage instantly.
Step 6: Double-Check With Property Records
Property deeds, survey maps, or local government offices often have acreage information. Always confirm your calculations against official records for accuracy.
Conclusion
Calculating acreage involves measuring your land, converting square footage into acres, and double-checking with tools or records. With these steps, you’ll have a clear idea of how much land you own or are working with.
