Bigha to Sq Ft Conversion: How to Convert 1 Bigha to Square Feet

Buying land in India is a dream for many, whether for constructing a home, investing, or agricultural purposes. One key aspect to understand before purchasing is land measurement, as sizes are often expressed in traditional units like ‘bigha’. Since a bigha varies across states, learning how to convert bigha to sq ft is essential for accurately assessing land area and cost. This blog explains the bigha to sq ft conversion, offers a practical guide to convert bigha to sq ft, and highlights key points about using home loans to finance your land purchase, helping you make informed decisions.

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.

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

How Many Square Feet (Sq Ft) Are in 1 Bigha?

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 Bigha to Square Feet Conversion Table

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.

What is Square Feet (Sq Ft) in Land Measurement

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.

Why Convert Bigha to Square Feet?

The value of 1 bigha varies by state, so accurate conversion prevents legal and financial issues.

• Ensures fair pricing for buyers and sellers by clarifying actual land size.
• Helps financial institutions with precise property valuation for loans and mortgages.
• Avoids tax mismatches and loan rejections due to incorrect land measurement.
• Essential for land registration, property tax payments, and real estate appraisals.
• Verified conversions maintain transparency and compliance in property transactions.

How to Convert Bigha to Square Feet (Sq Ft)

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.

Bigha to Square Feet (Sq Ft) Conversion Formula:

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Key Factors to Consider When Converting Bigha to Square Feet (Sq Ft)

Converting bigha to sq ft accurately requires understanding several key factors, as 1 bigha can vary significantly by state and region. Before you convert bigha to sq ft, consider local land measurement practices, subdivision units like katha or biswa, and any official standards set by revenue offices. Proper conversion ensures clarity in property valuation, legal compliance, and loan processing. Using verified sources or official converters is recommended to avoid discrepancies in land size.

Key factors for 1 bigha to sq ft conversion:

• Regional variation: 1 bigha differs from state to state, so local standards matter.
• Subunits: Bigha may be divided into katha, biswa, or other local units.
• Official records: Verify land size with revenue offices or authenticated documents.
• Purpose of conversion: Consider real estate, agricultural, or loan-related requirements.
• Use of tools: Trusted bigha to sq ft converters help maintain accuracy.

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).

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. How many square feet are equal to 1 bigha?

A. The area of 1 bigha = sq feet varies across India, typically ranging from 8,712 sq ft in Himachal Pradesh to 36,000 sq ft in Rajasthan. Always check the local measurement standard before using the bigha to sq ft conversion for accurate land calculations.

Q.3. How to convert bigha to square feet in other Indian states?

A. To convert bigha to sq ft in different states, identify the local definition of bigha first, including subunits like katha or biswa. Use official tables, government notifications, or verified bigha to sq ft converters to ensure accurate calculations.

Q.4. What is the difference between bigha and square feet?

A. Bigha is a traditional land measurement unit that varies regionally, whereas square feet is a fixed metric unit. Converting bigha to sq ft allows buyers, sellers, and financial institutions to standardize land size for pricing, legal, and loan purposes.

Q.5. What is the difference between bigha, biswa, and katha?

A. Bigha is a large land unit, often subdivided into smaller units such as biswa or katha depending on the state. Knowing these subunits is crucial when you convert bigha to sq ft to avoid miscalculations in land measurement.

Q.6. Can I use Bigha to Square Feet conversions for legal land registration?

A. Yes, accurate bigha to sq ft conversion is essential during legal land registration to ensure clarity in land area and property documents. Always verify measurements with local revenue offices or use official conversion tools before registering land.

Disclaimer:

The content presented on this page, including images and factual information, is intended solely as a summary derived from publicly available sources. GHFL/GFL (“Company”) does not claim ownership of such information, nor does it represent that the Companies have exclusive knowledge of the same. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, there may be inadvertent errors, omissions, or delays in updating the content. Users are strongly encouraged to independently verify all information and seek expert advice where necessary. Any decisions made based on this content are solely at the discretion and responsibility of the user. Godrej Capital and its affiliates assume no responsibility for any loss or damage that may result from the use of or reliance on the information provided herein.