In Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, land is usually measured in kanal and marla rather than bigha. Here's what they mean and how to convert them.
The key figures
- 1 marla = 272.25 sq ft
- 1 kanal = 5,445 sq ft
- 20 marla = 1 kanal
- 8 kanal = 1 acre (1 acre = 43,560 sq ft)
Unlike bigha, marla and kanal are standardised in modern usage, so these values apply across the region (older "shahi/local" marla could differ historically — confirm very old records locally).
Quick conversion table
| Unit | Square feet | In gaj (sq yd) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 marla | 272.25 | 30.25 |
| 5 marla | 1,361 | 151 |
| 10 marla | 2,722 | 302.5 |
| 1 kanal | 5,445 | 605 |
| 2 kanal | 10,890 | 1,210 |
| 1 acre | 43,560 | 4,840 |
A "5 marla" or "10 marla" plot is a very common residential size in the region — 5 marla ≈ 1,361 sq ft, and 10 marla ≈ 2,722 sq ft.
Marla and kanal vs other units
- vs gaj: 1 marla ≈ 30.25 gaj.
- vs bigha: the region generally doesn't use bigha, so convert via sq ft or acre if you're comparing with a bigha-based plot elsewhere.
Convert instantly
Use the free converter for any value: marla to square feet, kanal to square feet, square feet to marla or marla to kanal. The full Land Area Converter handles every Indian unit in one place.
As always, confirm the exact figures against your local land record before acting on them.