How to Convert Bigha in Sq Ft When Buying Land

Most people dream of buying land in India, be it to construct a house, invest, or use for agricultural purposes. One important thing that one must know is how field sizes are divided. ‘Bigha’ is a term for land measurement. Also, the cost of land has continuously increased, prompting many buyers to consider getting house loans when they buy land.

However, before focusing on financial assistance to afford land, it is important to understand how land measurements are carried out in India, especially using indigenous terms such as ‘bigha’. Since this term is not the same pan-India, converting bigha into square feet would be prudent.

Let’s explore how to convert bigha to square feet, the aspects of home loans, and how you can secure the best loan for your land purchase.

What is bigha?

Bigha is a widely used traditional unit of land measurement in India, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. However, the size of 1 bigha in square feet varies significantly across these states, making it crucial to convert bigha to square feet accurately before any land transaction.

Definition and Historical Background

The term Bigha dates back to ancient India and was historically used during the Mughal and British eras for measuring agricultural land. While the metric system was later introduced, bigha continued to remain in practice, especially in rural areas. The unit has no standard size across the country and is often influenced by local customs and land practices.

Agricultural and Real Estate Significance

Bigha plays a key role in both agriculture and real estate. In agricultural contexts, it is commonly used to denote farmland holdings. In real estate, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, land parcels are still advertised and transacted in terms of bigha. As land value and legal clarity become more critical, accurate bigha to square feet conversion has become essential for buyers, sellers, and developers alike.

Bigha, Biswa, Katha, and Other Subunits

Bigha is often subdivided into smaller units, which also vary by region:

• Biswa (or Biswansi): Commonly used in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Typically, 1 bigha = 20 biswa.
• Katha: Used in Bihar, West Bengal, and parts of Jharkhand. For instance, in Bihar, 1 bigha = 20 kathas.
• Other subunits include Chatak (used in Bengal), Lecha, and Dhur (in Bihar).

Also Read: Home Loan: All You Need to Know – Godrej Capital

Regional Variations in Bigha Measurement

In India, 1 bigha = square feet is not a fixed value - it varies significantly across states, depending on historical practices, land usage, and local customs. This regional disparity makes it important to understand local land measurement standards before buying or selling property.

State-Wise Variations in Bigha to Square Feet
Here’s how 1 bigha differs in size across major Indian states:

This variation highlights why land buyers must convert bigha to square feet based on the location before making a purchase.

Understanding Square Feet as a Land Measurement Unit

Square feet (sq. ft.) is a globally recognized unit of area measurement, widely used in real estate, construction, and land transactions, especially in India. , even though traditional units like bigha are still common in rural areas, square feet has become the preferred standard in urban real estate due to its precision and uniformity.

Why Square Feet is Preferred in Urban Real Estate

Legal Standard: Government regulations and land records in cities require property dimensions to be listed in square feet.

Uniformity Across Regions: Unlike bigha, which varies by state, square feet remains consistent and easy to understand.

Simplifies Valuation: Property prices are quoted per square foot, making it easier to compare and evaluate listings.

International Compatibility: Square feet are widely used in global real estate platforms, attracting NRIs and foreign investors.

Simple Formula to Calculate Area in Square Feet

To calculate area in square feet, use this basic formula:

Area (sq. ft.) = Length (in feet) × Width (in feet)

For example, if a plot is 40 feet long and 30 feet wide:

40 × 30 = 1,200 sq. ft.

This method is ideal for calculating residential or commercial property areas.

Why Convert Bigha to Square Feet?

Accurate bigha to square feet conversion plays a crucial role in land-related transactions across India. Since the value of 1 bigha in square feet varies by state - from around 8,712 sq. ft. in Himachal Pradesh to 36,000 sq. ft. in Rajasthan - using a standard or incorrect estimate can lead to legal and financial issues.

For buyers and sellers, clarity in land size ensures fair pricing and prevents disputes. Financial institutions depend on accurate conversions for property valuation, loan approvals, and mortgage processing. Inaccurate measurements can lead to loan rejections or tax mismatches.

Proper bigha conversion to square feet is also essential during land registration, payment of property taxes, and real estate appraisals. Using an official bigha to square feet converter or verifying with local revenue offices helps avoid confusion arising from regional unit differences.

Always prioritize verified conversions to ensure transparency and compliance in property dealings.

How to convert bigha to square feet

To convert 1 bigha to square feet, it’s essential to know the state-specific conversion rate, as bigha is not a standardized unit across India. Each state follows its own land measurement norms, so there's no universal value. Hence, use the bigha to square feet conversion formula with caution, and always verify the applicable conversion rate in your region.

General Formula:

Area (in sq. ft.) = Number of Bigha × State-specific Bigha value (in sq. ft.)

For example, if you're in Uttar Pradesh (where 1 bigha ≈ 27,225 sq. ft.), then:

5 bigha = 5 × 27,225 = 1,36,125 sq. ft.

Conversion Formula

Total land area (sq ft) = Number of bighas × Value of 1 bigha (sq ft) in that region

Example Calculation:

If you purchase 2 bighas of land in Uttar Pradesh, the calculation would be:

2 bighas × 27,000 sq ft = 54,000 sq ft

This calculation helps ensure you’re paying for the correct land area based on the agreed-upon measurement.

Bigha to Other Land Units Conversion

Besides square feet, bigha can also be converted into acres, hectares, and gunthas - especially useful for legal documentation, large land purchases, agricultural planning, or when dealing with national and international buyers. These conversions offer standardized comparisons for land across regions and make valuation easier.

Bigha Conversion Table (Approximate Values*)

*Values vary by region. Always verify local standards before applying.

Tips for Property Buyers and Sellers on Bigha Measurement

Land transactions in India often involve traditional units like bigha, which vary from state to state. Whether you're buying, selling, or applying for a loan, following the right land measurement guide is crucial for accurate bigha to square feet conversion and avoiding legal or financial complications.

Useful Land Buying Tips in India:

• Always verify local conversion rates before entering into any agreement, as 1 bigha can mean different square feet in each state.
• Use official or reliable sources, such as government portals or certified property consultants, for land measurements.
• Cross-check land size with official land documents, property deeds, and government-issued survey maps.
• Leverage advice from financial institutions, especially when applying for home or land loans, to ensure measurements are aligned with valuation norms.
• Keep digital or printed conversion tools handy to avoid manual calculation errors.

Financing Options for Land Buyers: Understanding Home Loans

Buying land often requires financial assistance, and lenders offer home loans depending on how you plan to use the land. Choosing the right option ensures better loan terms and benefits.

Home loans: Best for building a house

A home loan is an excellent choice if you plan to build a house on the land soon. These loans offer longer repayment terms and lower interest rates than other loans.

Key features of home loans for land buyers

• Purpose: Suitable if you plan to construct a home on the land.
• Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio: Covers 80-90% of the property’s value.
• Repayment Tenure: Can extend up to 30 years.
• Tax Benefits: Get tax deductions under Section 80C (principal repayment) and Section 24(b) (interest payments) after construction is completed.
• Important: Tax benefits are available only if the house is built within a certain period after loan approval.

Also Read: How to Check Home Loan Eligibility?

Latest trends in India’s land financing sector

India’s real estate and loan sectors have seen significant changes:

• Rising demand for home loans – Housing finance companies reported a 12% increase in home loan applications in 2024.
• RBI policy updates – The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently revised lending norms, making home loans more accessible.

Key factors to consider before applying for a loan

Before applying for a loan to buy land, keep these points in mind:

• Interest rates: Compare lenders for the best deal.
• Down payment: Be prepared to fund 10-30% of the purchase price yourself.
• Eligibility: Ensure your credit score is above 750 for better loan terms.

The Bottom Line

Purchasing a plot of land is a significant financial move, and choosing the right home loan is fundamental to affordability and advantage. Understanding the 1 bigha to sq ft conversion ensures clarity in land measurement, helping you make informed decisions.

In case you're ready to buy some property, apply for a loan now. It is important to act today and start the process of securing your dream property here and now.

Moreover, if you want to calculate your monthly EMIs accurately without putting in a lot of mental labour, use an online Home Loan EMI calculator. This will definitely make calculating EMIs a cake walk for you!

FAQs

Q.1. How is land calculated in Square Feet?

A. The formula to calculate the same is as follows:

Length (in feet) x Width (in feet) = Area of land in sq. ft.

You can also use an online calculator to do the same.

Q.2. Can one get a 90% loan on a plot?

A. The highest loan amount for plot loans is determined by the policies of the lender. In most cases, lenders typically offer up to 75% of the property's value for the loan. However, for lower value plots (those that are less than Rs. 75 lakh), it's possible to secure up to 90% of the plot’s value.

Q.3. Can one take a home loan against land?

A. Lenders usually approve a loan of up to 50% to 75% of the land value, depending on your credibility and eligibility. However, check your financial goals and expenditures to find a loan that suits your individual monetary needs.

Q.4. Which land is best for investment?

A. Current or planned residential and commercial development properties are good for investments. Other viable options include cropland, livestock-raising land, vineyards, recreational land, etc.

Q.5. Should one invest in flat or land?

A. Choosing between a plot and a flat depends on your financial situation and goals. Meanwhile, plots offer more customization and returns, flats provide rental income through tenants and often require less constructional effort.

Disclaimer:

The contents of this article are for information purposes only and not a financial advisory. The information is subject to update, revision, and amendment and may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject Godrej Capital or its Affiliates to any requirements. Godrej Capital or its Affiliates shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for making any decisions, financial or otherwise based on the contents and information mentioned. For more information, please visit www.godrejcapital.com.