Quick example
Convert 1 acre to square feet
One acre is defined as exactly 43,560 square feet. The same land area is approximately 4,046.856 square meters, 0.404686 hectare, or 0.0015625 square mile.
Quick reference
Common area conversions
| Starting area | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 square meter | 10,000 square centimeters |
| 1 square meter | 10.7639 square feet |
| 1 square foot | 144 square inches |
| 1 square yard | 9 square feet |
| 1 acre | 43,560 square feet |
| 1 hectare | 10,000 square meters |
| 1 hectare | 2.47105 acres |
| 1 square mile | 640 acres |
Squared units
Area conversions square the length factor
A square unit has both width and length. Because one foot equals 12 inches, a one-foot-by-one-foot square is 12 inches by 12 inches. Multiplying those sides gives 144 square inches. The same rule applies to every area conversion: square the linear conversion factor rather than using it once.
Land measurements
Acres, hectares, and square miles
Acre
An acre equals 43,560 square feet or 4,840 square yards. It is commonly used for land in the United States and some other countries.
Hectare
A hectare is exactly 10,000 square meters, or a 100-meter-by-100-meter square.
Square kilometer
One square kilometer contains 100 hectares and is often used for larger metric land areas.
Square mile
One square mile contains exactly 640 acres and is approximately 2.589988 square kilometers.
From dimensions to area
Measure both sides in the same unit
This converter changes an area value that is already known. To find a rectangular area first, convert length and width to the same unit, then multiply them. Irregular property boundaries may require a survey or a shape-specific calculation. Displayed results use up to 12 significant digits.
Common questions
Area conversion FAQ
How many square feet are in an acre?
One acre equals exactly 43,560 square feet.
How many acres are in a hectare?
One hectare equals approximately 2.47105 acres.
What is the difference between an acre and a hectare?
An acre is 4,046.8564224 square meters. A hectare is 10,000 square meters, or about 2.47105 acres.
How many acres are in a square mile?
One square mile equals exactly 640 acres.
Why does one square foot equal 144 square inches?
A square foot is 12 inches wide and 12 inches long, so its area is 12 × 12, or 144 square inches.