Property Guide
Marla, Kanal and Square Feet: Property Measurement Units in Pakistan Explained
How marla, kanal, square feet and acres relate in Pakistan, why a marla can be 225 or 272.25 sq ft, and how to compare plot sizes and prices correctly.
By Naimat Khan6 min read
In Pakistan, land is usually measured in marla and kanal, with 20 marla making 1 kanal. The catch is that a marla is not always the same size: the traditional revenue marla is 272.25 square feet, while many housing schemes use a smaller marla of 225 square feet. Before you compare plots or prices, confirm which definition applies and convert everything to square feet.
This guide explains the common property measurement units in Pakistan, how to convert between them, and how to avoid paying for land you are not actually getting.
The main property measurement units in Pakistan
Marla
The marla is the most common unit for residential plots and houses, for example "5 marla house" or "10 marla plot". The traditional marla, standardised during British rule, equals 30.25 square yards, which is 272.25 square feet. Many housing societies and developers instead define a marla as 225 square feet (25 square yards), and some listings use 250 square feet.
Kanal
One kanal is always 20 marla, so its size depends on the marla being used:
- With a 272.25 sq ft marla: 1 kanal = 5,445 sq ft (605 sq yd).
- With a 250 sq ft marla: 1 kanal = 5,000 sq ft.
- With a 225 sq ft marla: 1 kanal = 4,500 sq ft (500 sq yd).
Square feet and square yards
Square feet are used for covered area, apartments, shops and construction estimates. Square yards are common in some cities and in many official layouts. One square yard equals 9 square feet.
Acre
Agricultural and larger land parcels are often measured in acres. One acre is 43,560 sq ft (4,840 sq yd). On the traditional definition, that is 8 kanal or 160 marla.
Square metres
Engineering drawings and some documents use square metres. One square foot is 0.09290304 square metres, so 1 square metre is about 10.76 square feet.
Marla to square feet conversion table
| Plot size | At 225 sq ft per marla | At 250 sq ft per marla | At 272.25 sq ft per marla |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 marla | 675 sq ft | 750 sq ft | 816.75 sq ft |
| 5 marla | 1,125 sq ft | 1,250 sq ft | 1,361.25 sq ft |
| 7 marla | 1,575 sq ft | 1,750 sq ft | 1,905.75 sq ft |
| 10 marla | 2,250 sq ft | 2,500 sq ft | 2,722.5 sq ft |
| 1 kanal (20 marla) | 4,500 sq ft | 5,000 sq ft | 5,445 sq ft |
| 2 kanal (40 marla) | 9,000 sq ft | 10,000 sq ft | 10,890 sq ft |
The difference is not small. A "5 marla" plot on the traditional definition is about 236 sq ft larger than a "5 marla" plot on the 225 sq ft definition, roughly 21% more land.
Why the marla definition matters when buying
Comparing two plots
Two plots advertised as "10 marla" in different schemes can differ by several hundred square feet. If you only compare the marla number, you may think they are equal when they are not.
Comparing prices
Prices quoted "per marla" are only comparable if the marla is the same size. The safer method is to convert to a price per square foot:
- 1Find the plot's actual area in square feet from its dimensions or official documents.
- 2Divide the total asking price by that area.
- 3Compare the price per square foot between plots, then consider location, facing, corner status and development level separately.
Checking actual dimensions
Multiply length by width to check the area. For example, a plot measuring 25 ft × 45 ft is 1,125 sq ft. That is exactly 5 marla on a 225 sq ft basis, but only about 4.13 marla on the 272.25 sq ft basis. Irregular or corner plots need measurement of each side, so rely on the approved site plan rather than a rough estimate.
Where to find the official measurement for a plot
- Housing society plots: the allotment letter, transfer documents and the society's approved layout plan normally state the plot size and dimensions.
- Revenue land: land records (such as the fard and mutation entries) use units like kanal and marla. Confirm the definition and area with the relevant revenue office.
- Built houses and apartments: ask for both the plot area and the covered area (built-up area) in square feet, and check them against the approved building plan.
Before paying any amount, verify documents as explained in our guide to buying a plot in Quetta: documents, verification and important checks. For DHA Quetta size categories, see DHA Quetta plot sizes explained.
Plot area vs covered area
Plot area is the land you own. Covered area is the floor space built on it, usually measured in square feet and often across more than one storey. Building rules in each scheme or authority limit how much of the plot can be covered and require setbacks from the boundaries, so a house's covered area per floor is normally less than its plot area. When a listing gives a single figure, ask which one it is.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming every "marla" is the same size across schemes and cities.
- Comparing per-marla prices without converting to square feet.
- Relying on the advertised size instead of the documented dimensions.
- Confusing covered area with plot area for houses.
- Forgetting that corner and irregular plots may have extra or missing area compared with a standard plot.
Questions to ask about size before you pay
- 1How many square feet is one marla in this scheme or in this land record?
- 2What are the exact plot dimensions on the approved layout or site plan?
- 3Is the plot a standard size, or does it include extra land (and is that extra land documented and paid for separately)?
- 4For a house, what are the plot area and the covered area on each floor?
- 5Has the plot been physically demarcated, and do the boundary markers match the documents?
Write the answers down and keep them with your purchase file. If the seller or dealer cannot answer clearly, treat that as a reason to verify further before paying any token money.
How NASASI Estate helps
NASASI Estate provides property advisory and documentation support for buyers in Quetta and for overseas Pakistanis buying from abroad. We can help you read plot documents, compare listed sizes and dimensions, and prepare questions for the seller or the relevant authority. See our advisory services, browse properties for sale, or contact us.
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet are in 1 marla in Pakistan?
It depends on the definition. The traditional marla is 272.25 sq ft, while many housing schemes use 225 sq ft. Check the plot's documents to know which applies.
How many marla are in 1 kanal?
One kanal is 20 marla. Its area in square feet is 4,500, 5,000 or 5,445 depending on whether the marla is taken as 225, 250 or 272.25 sq ft.
How many kanal are in 1 acre?
On the traditional definition, 1 acre (43,560 sq ft) equals 8 kanal or 160 marla.
Which unit should I use to compare plot prices?
Use price per square foot based on the plot's documented area. It removes the confusion caused by different marla definitions.
