What is an are?
An are is a unit of area equal to 100 square metres (10 × 10 metres). The are is mainly used to express the size of plots, parcels and pieces of land.
Conversion table
| Unit | Value |
|---|---|
| 1 are | 100 m² |
| 1 hectare | 100 ares = 10,000 m² |
| 1 km² | 10,000 ares = 100 hectares |
Application
The are appears regularly in building practice:
- Land registry — plot areas are often expressed in square metres or ares
- Building land — an average building plot is roughly 3 to 10 ares (300–1,000 m²)
- Zoning plans — minimum plot sizes are sometimes specified in ares
- Gardens and yards — the area of a garden is often stated in ares
Examples
- A terraced house plot is roughly 1.5–3 ares (150–300 m²)
- A detached house typically stands on 4–10 ares (400–1,000 m²)
- A football pitch is approximately 70 ares (7,000 m²)
Are vs hectare
The hectare (ha) is the most common unit for larger land areas:
- 1 hectare = 100 ares = 10,000 m²
- Agricultural land is measured in hectares
- Smaller plots are expressed in ares or square metres
Related terms
- Plot
- Building land
- Zoning plan
- Building line
- Site boundary
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