Measurements - Different measurements, one solution

If you cannot change it merge with it (Learnings from a chameleon)

You cannot change the way things have been going on for years , decades or even centuries. The same goes for different measurements done at different places. You must do what comes to you naturally then - standardize for yourself, the distances and areas that you understand. Then, merge your understanding with the given environment.

The key to this standardization is being conversant with both the Imperial system as well as the metric system of length (and areas).

  

As a rule, do not get bogged down by the plethora of measurements available. Rather, convert all measurements into only the ones you are familiar with and which will serve YOU as a standard, no matter where you go….

In most situations, you can just remember 3 conversion denominations: feet (area = sq ft), yards (area = sq yards) , meters (area = sq mtrs). Convert all the denominations into these

Meters and yards=

1 mtr = 3 feet and 3”

1 yard = 3 feet

So a meter is a bit more than a yard.

An thus a Sq mtr is around 20% more than a sq yards (the reason why private developers always prefer quote the per unit price in yards - making you more comfortable - around 20%- with the prices!)

For smaller areas, convert using above calculation parameters into sq mtrs or sq yards

For larger areas, there are three other standard denominations used widely : Ares, Acres and hectares

Thus, 1 Acre = 4067.9 sq.metres (= 43,560 sq.feet = 4840 sq yars)

Also, 1 Hectare = 10000 sq mtrs (or around 2.5 acres)

And 1 Are = 100 sq mtrs

That’s it!

Application of above learning:

Definition of 1 Bigha in different states is different. So we convert it to bighas in one acre                            

We know that:  1 acre  = 4840 sq yard                           

In Assam and Bengal , Bigha = 1600 sq yard thus becomes 3.025 bighas in an acre( 4840/1600)

In Bihar, UP, Bigha= 3025 sq yard    thus becomes 1.6 bighas in an acre (4840/3025)

And in Gujarat if bigha is  1936 sq yard, it thus becomes 2.5 bighas in an acre (4840/ 1936)

We can now manipulate the data as we want and give it in any denomination we wish to.

Practical tips on distance and area conversion, regularly used :

1.     Distance conversion: Converting meters to feet: Generally we will need to convert meter to feet and vice versa. Simply do as follows:

Distance of Meter to feet conversion : Divide meter by 3 and multiply by 10. So if it is 3 mtr, then it is 3/3*10 = 10 feet (approx)

Thus for distance : Divide any meter by 3, you get the feet

2.    Area conversion: Converting sq meters to sq yards. Multiply by 1.2 times, the given sq meter area.

For the converse (ft to mtr or sq yard to sq mtr, do the opposite)

Thus for area: Multiply any sq meter by 1.2, you get sq yards

The logic behind working of the above approximations:

Distance approximation works because:  1 mtr = 3.28 ft. If a number is divided by 3 and multiplied by 10, you are multiplying it by 3.33 effectively, which is very close to 3.28.  

Area approximation works because : Since 1 sq mtr = 3.28ft *3.28ft = 10.7584 sq ft (1 mtr*1mtr, in terms of ft) and 1 yard = 3ft*3ft (9 sq ft). Thus 1 sq mtr is more than 1 sq yard by approx 20% i.e 9 sq ft*1.2=10.8 sq ft