Marla to Square Feet: Complete Conversion Guide for Pakistan
The quick answer: 1 marla = 272.25 sq ft — but in DHA and Bahria Town it is 225 sq ft. Here is which standard to use, the full conversion table, and the formulas.
The two marla standards (read this first)
Pakistan uses two different marla sizes, and mixing them up is the most common — and most expensive — mistake in property deals:
| Standard | 1 marla = | Where it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue standard | 272.25 sq ft (30.25 sq yd) | Government land records, most of Punjab, general property market |
| Society standard | 225 sq ft (25 sq yd) | DHA, Bahria Town and similar private housing societies |
The 272.25 sq ft marla comes from British-era revenue records: one acre (43,560 sq ft) divided into 160 marlas. Private developers later adopted the rounder 225 sq ft marla (a 25 × 45 ft plot) because it makes planning simpler. A "10 marla" plot is therefore 2,722.5 sq ft in a revenue area but only 2,250 sq ft in DHA — a difference of nearly 2 marlas. Always confirm which standard your deal uses before paying.
Marla to square feet conversion table
Revenue standard (272.25 sq ft per marla):
| Marla | Square feet | Square yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 marla | 272.25 | 30.25 |
| 2 marla | 544.50 | 60.50 |
| 3 marla | 816.75 | 90.75 |
| 5 marla | 1,361.25 | 151.25 |
| 7 marla | 1,905.75 | 211.75 |
| 10 marla | 2,722.50 | 302.50 |
| 15 marla | 4,083.75 | 453.75 |
| 20 marla (1 kanal) | 5,445.00 | 605.00 |
Society standard (225 sq ft per marla) for comparison:
| Marla | Square feet | Square yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 marla | 225 | 25 |
| 5 marla | 1,125 | 125 |
| 10 marla | 2,250 | 250 |
| 20 marla (1 kanal) | 4,500 | 500 |
The formulas
- Marla → sq ft (revenue): marla × 272.25. Example: 5 × 272.25 = 1,361.25 sq ft.
- Marla → sq ft (DHA/Bahria): marla × 225. Example: 5 × 225 = 1,125 sq ft.
- Sq ft → marla (revenue): sq ft ÷ 272.25. Example: 1,361.25 ÷ 272.25 = 5 marla.
- Marla → sq yards: divide sq ft by 9. Example: 272.25 ÷ 9 = 30.25 sq yd per marla.
Typical marla plot sizes in Pakistan
Most residential plots in Pakistan are sold in a handful of standard marla sizes. Knowing their square footage by heart saves you from doing mental math at every property viewing:
- 3 marla — the smallest common house plot: 816.75 sq ft (revenue) or 675 sq ft (society). Popular in dense city areas.
- 5 marla — the classic small family house plot: 1,361.25 sq ft (revenue) or 1,125 sq ft (society). The most traded size in Punjab.
- 7 marla — a step up: 1,905.75 sq ft (revenue) or 1,575 sq ft (society).
- 10 marla — half kanal: 2,722.5 sq ft (revenue) or 2,250 sq ft (society).
Commercial plots are often quoted directly in square feet or square yards, while agricultural land skips marla entirely and goes straight to kanal, acre and murabba — see our kanal guide for those.
Which standard applies to your plot?
Do not guess — check one of these documents:
- Fard / registry: revenue-area documents use the 272.25 standard.
- Allotment letter: DHA/Bahria letters state plot dimensions (e.g. 25 × 45 ft = 1 marla at 225 sq ft).
- Ask the patwari or society office directly and get it in writing before any token money changes hands.
Quick reference
- 1 marla = 272.25 sq ft = 30.25 sq yd (revenue)
- 1 marla = 225 sq ft = 25 sq yd (DHA/Bahria)
- 1 kanal = 20 marla = 5,445 sq ft (revenue) or 4,500 sq ft (society)
- 1 acre = 160 marla = 43,560 sq ft (same in both systems)
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet are in 1 marla in Pakistan?
1 marla = 272.25 square feet under the revenue (government land record) standard used across most of Pakistan. In DHA, Bahria Town and some private societies, 1 marla = 225 square feet.
Why are there two marla standards in Pakistan?
The 272.25 sq ft marla comes from British-era revenue records (1/160 of an acre). Private housing societies like DHA and Bahria Town adopted a simpler 225 sq ft marla (25×45 ft plots) for easier planning.
How do I convert marla to square feet?
Multiply the number of marlas by 272.25 for the revenue standard, or by 225 for the DHA/Bahria standard. Example: 5 marla × 272.25 = 1,361.25 sq ft.
How many square yards is 1 marla?
1 marla = 30.25 square yards under the 272.25 sq ft standard (272.25 ÷ 9), or 25 square yards under the 225 sq ft standard.
Which marla standard applies to my plot?
Check your registry (fard) or allotment letter. Government revenue areas and most of Punjab use 272.25 sq ft; DHA, Bahria Town and similar private societies use 225 sq ft.