Complete Guide to Land Measurement Units: Shatak, Decimal, Katha, Bigha & Acre
Master traditional land measurement units across Bangladesh and India. Learn exact conversion formulas to square feet, decimals, acres, and regional variations in Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, and West Bengal.
Convert Shatak, Decimal, Bigha, Katha, Acre, Square Feet & Square Meters for Bangladesh & West Bengal land surveys.
Introduction to Regional Land Measurement Units
In South Asian countries such as Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, land transactions rely heavily on traditional units alongside international metrics like Square Feet, Square Meters, and Acres. Understanding these local units—such as Shatak (Decimal), Katha, Bigha, Kani, and Marla—is crucial for landowners, real estate buyers, civil engineers, and legal surveyors.
Because local survey standards vary across states and divisions, converting land measurements requires understanding both standard ratios and regional legal codes.
1. Shatak (Decimal / Shotok) Standard Conversions
The Shatak (also written as *Shotok* or *Decimal*) is the primary legal land unit in Bangladesh and West Bengal.
Quick Formula to Convert Shatak to Square Feet
*Example:* If a deed states 5.5 Shatak of land:
2. Katha (Kotta / Cottah) Ratios & Regional Variations
While 1 Shatak is uniform, 1 Katha varies by region:
A. Standard Bangladesh & West Bengal Standard
B. Chittagong Division (Kani System)
In Chittagong, land is traditionally measured using Kani and Ganda:
C. Bihar & Uttar Pradesh (Biswa & Katha)
3. Bigha Standard & Regional Comparison Table
| Region / System | 1 Bigha in Sq Ft | 1 Bigha in Katha | 1 Bigha in Shatak/Dec | 1 Acre in Bigha |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard BD / West Bengal | 14,400 Sq Ft | 20 Katha | 33.06 Shatak | 3.025 Bigha |
| Assam, India | 14,400 Sq Ft | 5 Bigha / 20 Katha | 33.06 Decimals | 3.025 Bigha |
| Punjab & Haryana (Kanal) | 9,075 Sq Ft | 4 Kanal | 20.83 Decimals | 4.80 Bigha |
| Rajasthan (Pukka Bigha) | 27,225 Sq Ft | 20 Biswa | 62.50 Decimals | 1.60 Bigha |
| Nepal (Ropani / Bigha) | 72,900 Sq Ft | 20 Kattha | 167.35 Decimals | 0.597 Bigha |