The Ultimate Guide to Land Measurement in Bangladesh
Navigating land transactions in Bangladesh—whether for buying, selling, or inheritance—can be confusing due to the mix of traditional and modern units. Terms like Katha, Bigha, and Shotok are used alongside Acre and Square Feet, often on the same documents. Our tool eliminates this confusion by providing instant, accurate conversions based on official standards, making it an essential resource for anyone dealing with property in Bangladesh.
Why Are There So Many Land Units? A Brief History
The complexity stems from Bangladesh's rich history. Traditional units such as Katha and Bigha have been in use since the Mughal era. Later, during British rule, imperial units like Acre and Decimal (now popularly called Shotok) were introduced for official land surveys (e.g., CS, RS surveys). Today, both systems coexist. You might discuss a plot in Katha in Dhaka, but the official land record (Khatian or Porcha) will list it in Acres and Shotok.
How to Use Our Land Unit Converter: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Enter Your Value: In the 'Value' box, type the number you wish to convert (for example, 5).
- Select the 'From' Unit: Pick your starting unit from the first dropdown list (e.g., Katha).
- Select the 'To' Unit: Pick your desired unit from the second dropdown list (e.g., Shotok).
- Get Instant Results: The tool immediately calculates and displays the precise conversion. It also generates a complete conversion table below, showing your original value converted into every other available unit.
Understanding the Most Common Land Units
Here’s a simple breakdown of the units you'll encounter most often:
- Shotok (শতক) / Decimal (ডেসিমাল): These two names represent the same unit (1/100th of an Acre). This is the primary unit used on all official government land records (Khatian/Porcha).
- Katha (কাঠা): The most common unit for discussing plot sizes in urban and suburban areas, especially in cities like Dhaka and Chittagong.
- Bigha (বিঘা): A larger unit, typically used for agricultural land in rural regions. Officially, 1 Bigha is equal to 20 Katha.
- Acre (একর): The standard imperial unit that forms the basis for official land surveys across Bangladesh. 1 Acre = 100 Shotok.
- Gonda (গণ্ডা): A smaller traditional unit. While less common now, it's still found on older land deeds ('dalil').
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many Shotok are in one Katha?
Based on standard measurements, 1 Katha (720 sq ft) is equal to approximately 1.65 Shotok (as 1 Shotok is 435.6 sq ft). Our tool provides the exact calculation.
2. Is there a difference between Shotok and Decimal?
No, 'Shotok' and 'Decimal' refer to the exact same unit of measurement (435.6 sq ft). The names are used interchangeably across different regions of Bangladesh.
3. What unit is used in the official 'Porcha' or 'Khatian'?
Official government land records in Bangladesh, such as the CS, SA, and RS Khatian (Porcha), primarily use the units Acre and Shotok (Decimal) to record land area.
4. How many Katha make one Bigha in Bangladesh?
The standard and officially recognized measurement is 20 Katha equals 1 Bigha.
Disclaimer
This Bangladeshi Land Unit Converter is designed to provide accurate calculations for planning and informational purposes. It is an excellent resource for initial estimations. However, for any legal transactions, property registration, or dispute resolution, all parties must rely on the official measurements provided by a licensed government land surveyor and the details recorded in the official documents from the local land office.