Definition
An acre is a unit of measurement for land area used in the United States and other countries that employ the Imperial system of units. It equates to different measurements as follows:
- 160 square rods
- 10 square chains
- 4,840 square yards
- 43,560 square feet
- 0.405 hectares
An acre does not have a standardized shape, though it is often regarded as about 90% of the size of an American football field. Historically, the acre was used as a measurement resembling the amount of land tillable by a team of oxen in one day.
Examples
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Residential Land: A real estate agent might advertise a property as having “3.2 acres,” indicating a considerable amount of land, suitable perhaps for a large home with substantial yard space.
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Agricultural Land: A farmer references his land’s size by explaining he owns “150 acres,” which showcases the scale of his arable farming area suitable for crops.
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Public Parks: Municipalities often describe the size of parks in acres, such as “Central Park in New York City, which spans over 843 acres.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the origin of the term “acre”?
The term “acre” comes from the Old English word “æcer,” which meant open field in ancient Britain. Its usage dates back several centuries.
How is an acre visually represented?
Commonly, an acre might be compared to about 90% of an American football field when including the end zones, providing a practical visualization.
Can acreage vary in shape?
Yes, an acre is a measure of area, not specific dimensions. The shape of any given acre can vary, often depending on property lines and natural land contours.
Is an acre the same in every country?
While the United States and those countries using the Imperial system use the same size for an acre, conversions to hectares (common in metric countries) are necessary: 1 acre equals 0.405 hectares.
How does an acre compare to a hectare?
1 acre is approximately 0.405 hectares. Thus, for easier conversion inside metric-rich areas, multiplying by approximately 2.47 gives the acreage comparable to 1 hectare.
Related Terms
- Hectare: A metric unit of area equal to 10,000 square meters or 2.471 acres.
- Square Foot: A non-metric (Imperial) unit used to measure small areas, especially building spaces, totaling 144 square inches.
- Square Yard: A unit of area used chiefly in real estate referencing smaller property sizes, totaling 9 square feet.
- Square Mile: A larger Imperial unit of measurement primarily used for designating large tracts of land or regional segments, totaling 640 acres.
Online References
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Measuring America: How an Untamed Wilderness Shaped the United States and Fulfilled the Promise of Democracy” by Andro Linklater
- “Legal, Geography, and Cultural Considerations of Land Use” by Nancy E. McGuckin
- “Surveying and Land Information Systems” by Earl F. Burkholder
Fundamentals of Acre: Real Estate Basics Quiz
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