October 27, 2025
- #WeekendDeals
Understanding land measurements in Pakistan can feel overwhelming, especially for people buying property for the first time. You often hear terms like Marla, Kanal, and Acre, but their exact meanings can change depending on the city or province. For example, in some areas, 1 Marla equals 272 square feet, while in others, it’s 225 square feet and that small difference can lead to big confusion when comparing property prices or sizes.
If you’re planning to build a home or invest in land, knowing these measurements is more than just useful it’s crucial. Understanding how Marla converts into Kanal or Acre helps you avoid costly mistakes and make smarter choices. In this blog, we’ll explain every key unit of measurement, share conversion details, and uncover how these standards shape the real estate market in Pakistan.
If you’ve ever wondered what is a Marla in Pakistan, you’re not alone. A Marla is one of the most common property area units in Pakistan, used for residential and commercial land. Traditionally, 1 Marla = 272.25 square feet, but some regions use 225 square feet per Marla. This variation often called the 272 vs 225 square feet Marla debate creates confusion among buyers and developers alike.
In Punjab, especially in Lahore, most housing societies follow the 272.25 sq ft standard, while smaller towns or older settlements may still use the 225 sq ft Marla. This Marla size difference Punjab vs Sindh makes it important to verify the actual area before purchasing land. For instance, if you buy a 5 Marla plot in Lahore, it could mean either 1,361 sq ft (based on 272.25) or 1,125 sq ft (based on 225), depending on the developer’s standard.
A simple Marla to square feet conversion can clarify the total size, but remember, local practices may differ. Using an online land area calculator Pakistan can help verify these values instantly. As a golden rule, always ask the housing society for the official measurement used before signing any agreement.
Understanding conversions between Marla, Kanal, Acre, and Killa or Bhiga meaning is essential for comparing land sizes. Traditionally, 1 Kanal = 20 Marla, and this relationship forms the base for all property conversions in Pakistan.
The following table explains how these land measurement units in Pakistan relate to each other:
| Unit | Equivalent in Marla | Equivalent in Square Feet | Equivalent in Square Meters |
| 1 Marla | 1 | 272.25 sq ft | 25.3 sq m |
| 1 Kanal | 20 | 5,445 sq ft | 505.9 sq m |
| 1 Acre | 160 | 43,560 sq ft | 4,047 sq m |
| 1 Killa / Bhiga | 50 | 13,612 sq ft | 1,264 sq m |
For example, if you perform a Kanal to Marla calculation, multiplying 1 Kanal by 20 gives 20 Marlas. Similarly, an Acre to Kanal conversion equals 8 Kanals. You can also reverse the process with a square ft to Marla or sq ft to Marla conversion formula. In simple terms, divide the total area by 272.25 to find how many Marlas a plot contains. These conversions are crucial when comparing property sizes between cities and housing schemes.
Land measurement units in Pakistan include Marla, Kanal, Acre, and Killa, each serving a unique purpose. Urban areas such as Lahore and Islamabad commonly use Marla and Kanal, while rural areas still rely on Acre and Killa for agricultural land.
For reference, an Acre to square feet Pakistan value is always fixed at 43,560 sq ft, while 1 Kanal = 20 Marla remains consistent nationwide. The confusion arises because Marla into sq feet can differ. This land measurement confusion Pakistan comes from historical changes introduced by colonial land surveys, especially the Great Trigonometric Survey India, which standardized land for taxation under the Aabyana and revenue land system.
Today, real estate land measurement Pakistan continues to evolve as digital mapping and government land survey Pakistan projects aim to bring uniformity and transparency to property records. However, it’s still important for buyers to confirm the measurements directly with housing authorities before making any purchase.
The standard plot size in Pakistan varies by city and housing society. In Lahore, common residential sizes include 3 Marla, 5 Marla, 7 Marla, 10 Marla, and 1 Kanal. However, other cities like Karachi, Islamabad, and Faisalabad may have slightly different dimensions.
Authorities such as the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) define official measurements for approved schemes. Before finalizing any deal, it’s smart to do a plot verification with LDA or relevant authority to ensure accuracy. A quick check can reveal whether your plot dimensions in Lahore follow the 272 sq ft Marla standard or something smaller.
For instance, DHA Lahore often adheres to modern surveying standards, while older colonies might still record areas in square yards or even Karam-based units. These inconsistencies make verifying every plot essential for secure real estate investment Pakistan.
A 3 Marla plot is the entry point for many Pakistani homes, offering affordability and practicality. Using the 272 sq ft standard, a 3 Marla plot equals 816.75 square feet, whereas under the 225 sq ft standard, it equals 675 sq ft.
Typically, a 3 Marla plot has dimensions of around 20 × 40 feet. While compact, it’s perfect for a single-family home or a small rental unit. Construction regulations differ across housing schemes, so always check the maximum floor area ratio allowed. Despite its small size, a well-designed 3 Marla home can include two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living space, making it a solid investment for first-time buyers.
Among all residential plot sizes Pakistan, the 5 and 7 Marla plots are the most popular choices for families. Using the larger Marla standard, a 5 Marla plot covers 1,361 sq ft, while a 7 Marla plot offers 1,905 sq ft. Their typical dimensions are 25 × 45 feet and 30 × 60 feet, respectively.
Buyers prefer these plots because they strike the right balance between cost and space. You can easily build a double-story house with ample parking, garden, or terrace. The demand for 5 and 7 Marla homes is consistently high in Lahore’s suburban areas such as LDA City and Bahria Town, making them great for long-term real estate investment Pakistan.
Moving up in size, 8 and 10 Marla plots offer greater design flexibility and better resale value. On average, 8 Marla = 2,178 sq ft and 10 Marla = 2,722.5 sq ft. These plots are ideal for spacious family homes or commercial villas.
In Lahore, societies like DHA Phase 6 and Park View City offer beautifully planned 8 and 10 Marla plots, often with wide roads and modern facilities. The larger area allows for architectural creativity basement construction, bigger lawns, and modern facades all adding to property value. If you’re planning a luxury build, these plot sizes give you enough room to customize without facing structural limits.
For luxury living, nothing beats a 1 Kanal plot. By definition, 1 Kanal = 20 Marla, which equals 5,445 square feet or 505.9 square meters. These plots are common in upscale areas like DHA, Bahria Town, and EME Society.
A 1 Kanal home often includes multiple bedrooms, servant quarters, a landscaped garden, and parking for several cars. The difference between Marla and Kanal is crucial here Kanal serves as a multiple of Marla, forming the basis of Pakistan’s property area units. With plenty of room for creative architecture, owning a Kanal property represents prestige and comfort, making it a dream for many Pakistani homes.
1 Marla = 225 sqft
1 Kanal = 20 Marla
= 20 marla x 225 sqft = 4,500 sqft
While legal land measurement Pakistan is governed by official records, discrepancies remain a problem. Sometimes, the area mentioned in the registry differs from the actual ground measurement. This is why verifying through the land registration process Pakistan or government land survey Pakistan is crucial.
Land laws trace back to the Great Trigonometric Survey India, which introduced formal mapping for taxation. Unfortunately, variations still occur due to outdated local records, encroachments, or misinterpretation of measurements. Always ensure the plot is approved by LDA or the respective city’s authority to avoid future disputes.
Encouragingly, Pakistan is moving toward digital land systems, enabling buyers to verify property details online. This modernization aims to eliminate land measurement confusion Pakistan and ensure transparency for all.
Choosing the right plot size depends on your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals. A smaller 3 or 5 Marla plot suits first-time buyers, while 10 Marla or 1 Kanal plots are perfect for larger families seeking comfort and luxury.
The key is understanding marla to square feet conversions, verifying data through government land survey Pakistan, and checking approvals before finalizing a deal. Always remember that the real value of a property isn’t just in its size but in its verified accuracy and location.
As property expert Yousuf Jawwad once said, “An informed buyer never overpays; they invest in clarity.” Knowing the difference between a 225 sq ft and 272 sq ft Marla might seem small, but it can change your total land value by hundreds of square feet and that’s a difference worth understanding.
What is the meaning of 1 Marla?
A Marla is a traditional land measurement unit used in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. It’s commonly equal to 272.25 square feet, though in some regions it measures 225 square feet.
Is 20 Marla equal to 1 Kanal?
Yes, in Pakistan, 1 Kanal = 20 Marla, which is the standard land measurement ratio used in most cities and housing societies.
How do you calculate 1 Marla?
To calculate 1 Marla, multiply the length and width of a plot in feet (for example, 15.5 ft × 17.5 ft = 272.25 sq. ft). This gives you the total area in square feet.
What is the size of Marla in Pakistan?
In Pakistan, 1 Marla typically equals 272.25 square feet, but in some cities like Karachi or Faisalabad, the old standard of 225 square feet is still used.
What size is 1 Acre?
An Acre is a larger land unit equal to 8 Kanals or 160 Marlas, which is roughly 43,560 square feet in total.
