How to Measure a Marla in Pakistan: A Comprehensive Guide

In Pakistan, land measurement often uses traditional units such as Marla, especially in residential and agricultural contexts. The size of a Marla can vary depending on the region, which can sometimes cause confusion during property transactions. Below is a step-by-step guide to understanding and measuring Marla in Pakistan.

1. Understanding the Marla Unit

• A Marla is a traditional unit of area used in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, particularly in rural areas or during property dealings.
• Historically, the size of a Marla was not uniform, leading to regional differences. Over time, two major systems for defining Marla have emerged in Pakistan: Old Marla and Standard (New) Marla.

Old Marla (Pre-standardization)

• The Old Marla is traditionally measured as 272.25 square feet (sq ft).
• This unit is still used in rural areas and in older property deeds.

Standard Marla (Post-standardization)

• In most urban and planned housing societies in Pakistan, a Marla has been standardized to 225 square feet (sq ft).
• This system is typically used in major cities such as Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi.

2. Marla Conversion to Other Units

To measure or convert Marla to modern units like square feet or square meters, use the following conversions:

• 1 Standard Marla = 225 square feet
• 1 Old Marla = 272.25 square feet
• 1 Marla = 20.9 square meters
• 9 Marlas = 1 Kanal (Standard Kanal = 4,500 square feet)

To find out how many marlas a room of size 15 feet by 15 feet is, you can follow these steps:

1. Calculate the area of the room:

   $$\text{Area}=\text{Length}\times \text{Width}=15\text{ feet}\times 15\text{ feet}=225\text{ square feet}$$

2. Convert the area from square feet to marlas (since 1 marla = 225 square feet):

   $$\text{Number of Marlas} = \frac{\text{Area in square feet}}{\text{Area of 1 marla}} = \frac{225 \text{ square feet}}{225 \text{ square feet/marla}} = 1 \text{ marla}$$

Land Unit Conversion	Measurement in Square Feet	Measurement in Square Yards
1 Karm	30.25	3.36
1 Marla	272.25	30.25
1 Kanal	5,445	605
1 Bigha	21,780	2,420
1 Acre	43,560	4,840
1 Killa	48,400	5,377.78
1 Hectare	107,639	11,959.89
1 Murabba	2,676,500	297,997.25

Note:

• The measurements for "Karm" are inferred based on "1 Marla = 9 Karm" conversion, assuming equal division of the area of 1 Marla by 9.
• The "Murabba" is calculated as 25 Acres; the conversion to hectares is approximated based on 1 Acre being roughly equivalent to 0.404686 Hectares.

3. Measuring a Marla in a Plot

If you want to measure or verify the size of a plot that’s measured in Marlas, follow these steps:

Tools You Will Need:

• A measuring tape (preferably in feet and inches for ease)
• A calculator (if you want to convert to other units)

Steps:

1. Measure the Length and Width:

   • Use the measuring tape to determine the length and width of the plot in feet.
   • For example, if the length of the plot is 45 feet and the width is 25 feet, multiply the two measurements to get the total area in square feet.

2. Calculate the Total Area:

   • Using the example above, 45 feet (length) × 25 feet (width) = 1,125 square feet.

3. Convert to Marla:

   • Divide the total area by the size of a Standard Marla (225 sq ft) or Old Marla (272.25 sq ft), depending on the system being used.
   • For a Standard Marla, the calculation is:
     1,125 square feet ÷ 225 square feet = 5 Marlas.
   • For Old Marla, the calculation is:
     1,125 square feet ÷ 272.25 square feet = approximately 4.13 Marlas.

4. Regional Differences in Marla Sizes

It’s important to note that the size of a Marla may vary based on regional practices. Some areas may still use Old Marla measurements, while most urban planning societies and real estate markets have adopted the Standard Marla size.

Common Regional Marla Sizes:

• Urban areas (Standard Marla): 1 Marla = 225 sq ft
• Rural areas (Old Marla): 1 Marla = 272.25 sq ft
• Government Housing Societies: Generally use the Standard Marla of 225 sq ft for consistency across real estate dealings.

5. Why Is There a Difference in Marla Sizes?

The difference between Old Marla and Standard Marla arises from historical land measurements, where plots were measured differently in different regions. The government and modern real estate developers have standardized the size to 225 square feet to simplify transactions and remove discrepancies.

6. Confirming Plot Size in Marlas

When purchasing or selling property, it’s essential to verify the plot size according to the correct Marla measurement. Here are some key steps to ensure accuracy:

• Ask for Plot Dimensions: When buying property, ask for the dimensions (length and width) of the plot in feet.
• Verify Deed Information: Check the property deed to see if the measurement is based on Old or Standard Marla.
• Use Professional Services: You can hire a surveyor or property evaluator to measure the plot and ensure the area matches the stated Marla size.

Conclusion

Measuring a Marla in Pakistan depends on whether the Old Marla or Standard Marla system is being used. With the Standard Marla of 225 square feet becoming more common in urban areas, understanding the differences and conversions is essential for accurate land dealings. Whether buying, selling, or dividing land, it is always good practice to use precise measurements and consult professionals to avoid discrepancies.