How this calculator works
Every unit is converted through the square metre. Metric area units follow from the metre: a square centimetre is 0.0001 m2 and a square kilometre is 1,000,000 m2. Imperial units follow from the international foot of exactly 0.3048 m. The acre is 43,560 square feet, and the square mile is 640 acres. The are is 100 m2 and the hectare is 100 ares.
Formula
square metres = value x F(unit), where F is the factor for the chosen unit. 1 ft2 = 0.09290304 m2. 1 in2 = 0.00064516 m2. 1 yd2 = 0.83612736 m2. 1 acre = 4,046.8564224 m2. 1 mi2 = 2,589,988.110336 m2. 1 ha = 10,000 m2. 1 are = 100 m2.
Worked example
1 m2 is 10,000 cm2, 1,550.0031 in2 and 10.7639 ft2. 1 acre is 4,046.8564224 m2 or 0.40468564224 ha. 1 mi2 is 2.589988110336 km2.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is a square metre not 100 square centimetres?
A square metre is 100 cm on each side, so it holds 100 x 100 = 10,000 square centimetres. Area scales with the square of the length factor.
What is the difference between an acre and a hectare?
An acre is an imperial land unit of 4,046.8564224 m2. A hectare is exactly 10,000 m2, so one hectare is about 2.47105 acres.
Can I convert a square mile to acres directly?
Yes. One square mile is exactly 640 acres by definition, and this converter uses that exact relationship.