How Many Acres Is In A Section?

How Many Acres Is In A Section?

A section is a unit of measure for land in the imperial and U.S. customary systems. One section is equal to 640 acres, which is equivalent to one square mile. The term “section” is historically derived from the divisions of land created by the US Public Land Survey System. Sections are typically used to measure land for a variety of purposes, such as boundary lines and land ownership.

The US Public Land Survey System

The US Public Land Survey System was created in the late 18th century to survey and distribute land among settlers. The system divided land into blocks called townships, each with 36 sections. A township is equal to 36 square miles, or 22,976 acres. Sections are further divided into quarter sections and half sections, each of which is equal to 160 acres.

The Imperial System of Measurement

The imperial system of measurement is used primarily in the UK and Ireland. The same basic principles of measurement are used as in the US system, but the unit of measure is different. In the imperial system, a section is equal to one square mile, which is equal to 640 acres.

How Sections are Used Today

Sections are still used today to measure and divide land, primarily in agricultural applications. Farmers often measure their land in terms of sections to easily determine how much land they own and how much land they need to purchase. Land is typically sold and purchased in terms of sections.

The Value of a Section

The value of a section of land is based on many factors, such as location and soil quality. Generally speaking, the value of a section of land is determined by the market value of the crops or products that can be produced on it. For example, a section of land in Iowa may have a higher value than a section of land in Arizona due to the different climates and soil types.

Conclusion

The US Public Land Survey System established the concept of sections as a unit of measure for land. In the US, a section is equal to 640 acres, while in the imperial system, a section is equal to one square mile. Sections are still used today to measure and divide land, primarily in agricultural applications. The value of a section is based on factors such as location and soil quality.