Introduction
Whether you are buying your first plot in Bahria Town, investing in DHA Lahore, or exploring premium developments like Pearl Towers and UDC Residencia in Askari 11 understanding Lahore’s land measurement system is absolutely essential for any property decision in 2026.
Many buyers, especially overseas Pakistanis and first-time investors, face confusion when comparing plots advertised in different units. This complete 2026 guide covers every unit, formula, conversion table, and housing society standard you need.
1. Why Land Measurement is Important in Lahore Real Estate
Understanding land measurement is your first line of defense when buying property in Lahore. Here is why it matters:
- Buying plots: Compare different sized plots accurately before paying token money.
- Construction planning: Know exact dimensions for house design, setbacks, and parking.
- Property valuation: Calculate fair market value — price per square foot or per marla.
- Avoiding fraud: Verify registry documents match the physical plot you are buying.
| IMPORTANT: In Lahore, different housing societies use different marla standards. DHA uses 272.25 sq ft per marla while Bahria Town uses 225 sq ft per marla. Always confirm the standard before signing any agreement. |
2. Common Land Measurement Units in Lahore
In Lahore and across Punjab, property is typically measured using these units:
- Marla : most common unit for residential plots
- Kanal (Canal) : used for larger residential and commercial plots
- Square Feet : used in construction and apartment sizes
- Square Yards (Gaz) : used in legal documents and older societies
- Acre : used for agricultural land and large commercial projects
- Murabba : large agricultural unit (25 Acres)
3. What is a Marla? Complete Guide for Lahore 2026
Marla is the most commonly used unit of land measurement in Lahore’s residential property market. The standard marla used across most modern housing societies in Lahore is:
| Standard Marla Definition1 Marla = 225 Square Feet (most Lahore societies)1 Marla = 272.25 Square Feet (DHA & Askari standard)1 Marla = 25 Square Yards (Gaz)1 Marla = approx. 20.9 Square Meters |
Standard Marla vs. Old (Local) Marla
This is where buyers most often get confused. Modern housing societies use different standards:
- 225 sq ft / marla: Bahria Town Lahore, LDA City, Lake City, most new societies
- 272.25 sq ft / marla: DHA Lahore, Askari Housing (all phases), some older societies
| WARNING: On a 20 Marla (1 Kanal) plot, the difference between 225 and 272.25 sq ft per marla is 945 square feet — nearly half a 5 Marla plot! Always confirm in writing which standard applies. |
Marla to Square Feet Conversion Table
| Marla | Sq Ft (225 std) | Sq Ft (DHA 272.25) | Sq Yards (Gaz) |
| 1 Marla | 225 sq ft | 272.25 sq ft | 25 sq yards |
| 3 Marla | 675 sq ft | 816.75 sq ft | 75 sq yards |
| 4 Marla | 900 sq ft | 1,089 sq ft | 100 sq yards |
| 5 Marla | 1,125 sq ft | 1,361.25 sq ft | 125 sq yards |
| 6 Marla | 1,350 sq ft | 1,633.5 sq ft | 150 sq yards |
| 7 Marla | 1,575 sq ft | 1,905.75 sq ft | 175 sq yards |
| 8 Marla | 1,800 sq ft | 2,178 sq ft | 200 sq yards |
| 10 Marla | 2,250 sq ft | 2,722.5 sq ft | 250 sq yards |
| 16 Marla | 3,600 sq ft | 4,356 sq ft | 400 sq yards |
| 20 Marla (1 Kanal) | 4,500 sq ft | 5,445 sq ft | 500 sq yards |
4. What is a Kanal? Kanal Conversions for Lahore 2026
The kanal (also spelled canal) is the next unit above marla, widely used for larger residential and commercial plots in Lahore. It is particularly common in DHA, Bahria Town’s premium sectors, and high-end societies.
| Standard Kanal Definition1 Kanal = 20 Marla1 Kanal = 4,500 Square Feet (225 sq ft/marla standard)1 Kanal = 5,445 Square Feet (DHA/Askari 272.25 sq ft/marla)1 Kanal = 500 Square Yards1 Kanal = approx. 418 Square Meters |
Kanal Conversion Table 2026
| Kanal | Marla | Sq Feet (225 std) | Sq Yards |
| 1 Kanal | 20 Marla | 4,500 sq ft | 500 sq yards |
| 2 Kanal | 40 Marla | 9,000 sq ft | 1,000 sq yards |
| 4 Kanal | 80 Marla | 18,000 sq ft | 2,000 sq yards |
| 5 Kanal | 100 Marla | 22,500 sq ft | 2,500 sq yards |
| 8 Kanal (1 Acre) | 160 Marla | 36,000 sq ft | 4,000 sq yards |
5. Acre to Kanal & Marla Conversions
Acre is used less frequently in urban Lahore but is important for agricultural land, large commercial plots, and understanding housing society master plans.
| Acre Conversions1 Acre = 8 Kanal1 Acre = 160 Marla1 Acre = 43,560 Square Feet1 Acre = 4,840 Square Yards1 Murabba = 25 Acres = 200 Kanal = 4,000 Marla |
| Acres | Kanal | Marla | Square Feet |
| 1 Acre | 8 Kanal | 160 Marla | 43,560 sq ft |
| 5 Acres | 40 Kanal | 800 Marla | 217,800 sq ft |
| 25 Acres (1 Murabba) | 200 Kanal | 4,000 Marla | 1,089,000 sq ft |
6. Square Yard (Gaz) in Lahore’s Property Market
Gaz (plural: gaz) is the Urdu/local term for square yard. It is commonly used by brokers, registry offices, and in some older housing societies.
| Gaz (Square Yard) Conversions1 Gaz = 1 Square Yard = 9 Square Feet1 Marla = 25 Gaz (Square Yards)1 Kanal = 500 Gaz100 Gaz = 4 Marla300 Gaz = 12 Marla500 Gaz = 1 Kanal (20 Marla) |
7. Standard Plot Sizes in Lahore 2026
5 Marla Plot Size in Lahore
The 5 Marla plot is the most popular and affordable option in Lahore, especially for middle-income families. It is widely available in Bahria Town, LDA City, and other modern societies.
| 5 Marla Plot — Key FactsArea: 1,125 sq ft (at 225 sq ft/marla)Typical Dimensions: 25 ft x 45 ftSquare Yards (Gaz): 125 sq yardsIn Meters: approx. 104.5 sq meters |
All Standard Plot Sizes — Comparison Table
| Plot Size | Sq Feet | Typical Dimensions | Sq Yards | Sq Meters |
| 3 Marla | 675 sq ft | 20 x 33.75 ft | 75 sq yds | ~62.7 m² |
| 5 Marla | 1,125 sq ft | 25 x 45 ft | 125 sq yds | ~104.5 m² |
| 10 Marla | 2,250 sq ft | 35 x 65 ft | 250 sq yds | ~209 m² |
| 1 Kanal | 4,500 sq ft | 50 x 90 ft | 500 sq yds | ~418 m² |
| 2 Kanal | 9,000 sq ft | 75 x 120 ft | 1,000 sq yds | ~836 m² |
8. Master Land Measurement Conversion Table — Lahore 2026
| Unit | Equals | Also Equals |
| 1 Marla | 225 sq ft | 25 sq yards (gaz) |
| 1 Kanal | 20 Marla | 4,500 sq ft / 500 sq yards |
| 1 Acre | 8 Kanal | 160 Marla / 43,560 sq ft |
| 1 Murabba | 25 Acres | 200 Kanal / 4,000 Marla |
| 1 Sq Yard (Gaz) | 9 sq ft | 0.04 Marla |
| 100 Sq Ft | 0.44 Marla | 4.44 sq yards |
| 600 Sq Ft | 2.67 Marla | 66.67 sq yards |
| 1,000 Sq Ft | 4.44 Marla | 111 sq yards |
| 1,500 Sq Ft | 6.67 Marla | 166.7 sq yards |
| 20 Marla | 1 Kanal | 4,500 sq ft (225 std) |
9. How to Calculate Land Measurement — Formulas 2026
Square Feet to Marla
| FormulaMarla = Square Feet / 225 Example: 1,125 sq ft / 225 = 5 Marla |
Marla to Square Feet
| FormulaSquare Feet = Marla x 225 Example: 10 Marla x 225 = 2,250 sq ft |
Marla to Kanal
| FormulaKanal = Marla / 20 Example: 60 Marla / 20 = 3 Kanal |
Square Yards (Gaz) to Marla
| FormulaMarla = Square Yards / 25 Example: 500 sq yards / 25 = 20 Marla (1 Kanal) |
Acre to Kanal
| FormulaKanal = Acres x 8 Example: 25 Acres x 8 = 200 Kanal (1 Murabba) |
Square Feet to Kanal
| FormulaKanal = Square Feet / 4,500 Example: 22,500 sq ft / 4,500 = 5 Kanal |
10. Lahore Housing Societies & Plot Measurement Standards
Different housing societies in Lahore follow different marla standards. Here is an overview of the most popular ones:
DHA Lahore
| Category | Standard / Detail |
| Marla Standard | 272.25 sq ft per Marla |
| 5 Marla Plot | 1,361 sq ft |
| 10 Marla Plot | 2,722 sq ft |
| 1 Kanal | 5,445 sq ft |
| Registry Authority | DHA Lahore Authority |
Bahria Town Lahore
| Category | Standard / Detail |
| Marla Standard | 225 sq ft per Marla |
| 5 Marla Plot | 1,125 sq ft |
| 10 Marla Plot | 2,250 sq ft |
| 1 Kanal | 4,500 sq ft |
| Registry Authority | Society Approved |
Askari Housing (Including Askari 11)
| Category | Standard / Detail |
| Marla Standard | 272.25 sq ft per Marla |
| 5 Marla Plot | approx. 1,361 sq ft |
| 10 Marla Plot | approx. 2,722 sq ft |
| Phases Available | Askari 1 to 11 |
| Registry Authority | Army Housing Authority |
| Notable CDC Projects | Pearl Towers & UDC Residencia (Askari 11) |
LDA City Lahore
| Category | Standard / Detail |
| Marla Standard | 225 sq ft per Marla |
| 5 Marla Plot | 1,125 sq ft |
| 10 Marla Plot | 2,250 sq ft |
| 1 Kanal | 4,500 sq ft |
| Regulated by | Lahore Development Authority (LDA) |
Lake City Lahore
| Category | Standard / Detail |
| Marla Standard | 225 sq ft per Marla |
| Popular Sizes | 5, 10, 20 Marla |
| 1 Kanal | 4,500 sq ft |
| Location | Raiwind Road, Lahore |
| Registry Authority | Society Approved |
11. CDC Developers — Our Projects in Lahore
| CDC DEVELOPERSBuilding Lahore’s Future — Trusted. Transparent. Investment-Grade.Website: cdcdevelopers.com.pk |
Pearl Towers — Askari 11, Lahore
Pearl Towers is a landmark high-rise development by CDC Developers, redefining vertical living in Lahore. Located in the premium Askari 11 enclave, Pearl Towers offers modern apartments and commercial spaces with world-class amenities, transparent documentation, and construction built to the highest standards. Ideal for investors and end-users seeking premium living in one of Lahore’s most secure and well-connected communities.
- Type: Residential & Commercial Tower
- Location: Askari 11, Lahore
- Developer: CDC Developers
- Standards: Full NOC and legal documentation provided
UDC Residencia — Askari 11, Lahore
UDC Residencia is an exclusive residential community by CDC Developers, thoughtfully planned to offer modern plots and homes within the prestigious Askari 11 address. With wide roads, green spaces, and complete infrastructure, UDC Residencia provides a secure, community-oriented lifestyle for Lahore families and smart investors.
- Type: Residential Community / Plots & Homes
- Location: Askari 11, Lahore
- Developer: CDC Developers
- Standards: Society approved with transparent measurement disclosures
| Both Pearl Towers and UDC Residencia by CDC Developers are located in Askari 11, Lahore — one of the city’s most premium, secure, and well-connected residential areas. CDC Developers provides full transparency on plot sizes, legal documentation, and NOC certificates for every project. Visit cdcdevelopers.com.pk for more information. |
12. Common Mistakes Buyers Make While Measuring Land in Lahore
Avoid these costly errors when evaluating property in Lahore:
Mistake 1: Confusing Standard & Local Marla
The difference between 225 sq ft and 272.25 sq ft per marla adds up significantly. On a 10 Marla plot that is nearly 500 sq ft — a huge difference for construction planning.
Mistake 2: Not Checking Official Society Dimensions
Society brochure sizes vs. actual layout plan dimensions can differ. Always obtain the approved layout plan from the housing authority before paying any token money.
Mistake 3: Relying Only on a Broker’s Word
Brokers sometimes mix up units or measurements. Ask for everything in writing and cross-verify with registry documents and the society’s official records.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Corner Plot Measurements
Corner plots in Lahore often have additional corner cuts (katoona). Verify the actual built-upon area versus the total registered area on the fard.
Mistake 5: Using Outdated Conversion Charts
Always use 2026 verified conversions. Some older guides reference incorrect marla standards or outdated society norms that no longer apply.
13. Essential Tips Before Buying Property in Lahore 2026
Follow these steps to protect your investment:
- Verify Plot Dimensions On-Site — Physically measure the plot or hire a licensed surveyor before finalizing any deal.
- Check the Approved Layout Plan — Request the LDA or society-approved layout plan confirming plot number, dimensions, and road widths.
- Confirm Society Marla Standard — Ask in writing whether the society uses 225 sq ft or 272.25 sq ft per marla.
- Use a Land Calculator App — Multiple Pakistan land calculator apps are available. Also use Google Maps area tool to cross-verify large plots.
- Verify Registry (Fard) Documents — The official fard from PLRA (Punjab Land Records Authority) is the legal ground truth. Match it with what you are buying.
- Work with Trusted Developers — Choose developers like CDC Developers who provide full transparency on plot sizes, legal documentation, and NOC certificates.
14. Frequently Asked Questions — Land Measurement Lahore 2026
1: How many square feet are in 1 Marla in Lahore?
The standard marla in most Lahore housing societies (Bahria Town, LDA City, Lake City) equals 225 square feet. However, DHA Lahore and Askari societies use 272.25 square feet per marla. Always confirm with the specific society.
2: How many Marla are in 1 Kanal?
1 Kanal = 20 Marla. This is universal across all housing societies and registries in Lahore and Pakistan.
3: What is the size of a 5 Marla plot in Lahore?
A 5 Marla plot is typically 1,125 sq ft (at 225 sq ft/marla) or 1,361 sq ft in DHA/Askari. Common dimensions are approximately 25 feet x 45 feet.
4: Is Marla size the same across all of Pakistan?
No. In Punjab (Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad), the standard marla is 225 sq ft for most modern societies. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and some other regions, different sizes may be used. Always verify locally.
5: How do I convert square feet into Marla?
Divide the total square feet by 225 (standard marla). Example: 2,250 sq ft / 225 = 10 Marla.
6: How many Kanal in 1 Acre?
1 Acre = 8 Kanal. Therefore 25 Acres = 200 Kanal (1 Murabba).
7: What is 1 Kanal in square feet in Pakistan?
1 Kanal = 4,500 sq ft at the standard 225 sq ft/marla rate, or 5,445 sq ft using the DHA/Askari standard of 272.25 sq ft/marla.
8: How many Marla in 1 Murabba?
1 Murabba = 25 Acres = 200 Kanal = 4,000 Marla.
9: What are the projects by CDC Developers in Lahore?
CDC Developers is developing Pearl Towers and UDC Residencia, both located in Askari 11, Lahore — one of the city’s most premium and well-connected residential areas. Visit cdcdevelopers.com.pk for complete details.
10: How many square feet in 5 Marla in Pakistan?
5 Marla = 1,125 sq ft (standard 225 sq ft/marla societies) or 1,361 sq ft (DHA/Askari 272.25 sq ft/marla standard).
Conclusion
Understanding land measurement is not just a technical skill — it is your first line of defense as a property buyer or investor in Lahore’s dynamic real estate market. Whether you are evaluating a 5 Marla home in a new housing scheme, comparing 1 Kanal plots in DHA, or exploring premium developments like Pearl Towers and UDC Residencia in Askari 11, the knowledge in this guide gives you the confidence to ask the right questions and make decisions backed by real numbers.
The key takeaways for 2026: always verify which marla standard a society uses, cross-check measurements with official registry documents, and work with transparent, reputable developers who clearly disclose every detail of your investment.
| CDC Developers is committed to full transparency in every project. Our developments — Pearl Towers and UDC Residencia in Askari 11, Lahore — come with complete legal documentation, clear plot measurement disclosures, and a team you can trust. Visit cdcdevelopers.com.pk to learn more or schedule a consultation today. |