How big is a lot of land is one of the most important aspects of construction. It helps you determine what type of building you can accommodate on it and plan on maximizing the land’s use. Moreover, knowing the size of the property enables you to define your boundaries and build a fence. The information is also crucial when determining the land’s value. 

In this guide, we outline everything you should know about a lot size, including how to calculate it. 

How Do I Find Out the Lot Size of My Property?

A lot of land can seem too large or too small to the naked eye. Whether you’re interested in buying or selling land, you’ll want to know exactly what you’re dealing with. Knowing the lot size also lets you know about the land’s prospects. Luckily, there are several methods to calculate the land’s size. 

Measure It Manually

Measuring the lot size manually is arguably the most time-consuming option. Instead, you can utilize your smartphone’s GPS option and track the movement as you walk the lot’s perimeter. Of course, you can do it the old-fashion way by using tape, but this method can be daunting and leaves plenty of room for errors. 

Read the Deed

The deed title report contains a description of the property, including the measurement of the boundary lines. You can request the county records office to print out a copy of the deed for a small fee, but you may also find it online. Then, input the dimension data into an online calculator to get an estimate of the total land size.

Use Tax Maps of Your Local Municipality

The local municipality may have tax maps, where you can find out the lot size along with the other relevant information. In addition, you may be able to obtain scanned maps from the municipality’s website or get hard copies directly from the office. 

Hire Professional Survey Services

Hiring a professional surveyor is the most expensive option for determining your lot size. However, it’s also the best option for getting accurate information. The land survey will show the dimensions of the land and any structures or other improvements located on the land. Additionally, the survey will show exactly where the property boundaries are and reveal unknown easements, encroachments, and boundary issues that could cause problems later.

How Do I Calculate Land Lot Size?

Sketch the property’s boundaries on paper. If your plot has a regular shape (square or rectangle), measure first the lengths of the area; then, measure the width. If you are trying to measure a large area, consider using a surveyor’s wheel that you can push along as you walk. Next, multiply the width by the length, and you’ll get the square size. For example, a lot with a width of 500 feet and a length of 700 feet would be calculated by multiplying 500 by 700. In this case, the land is 350,000 square feet.

How to Calculate Land Lot Size for Odd-Shaped Areas?

Calculating the lot’s size may be more complicated for an odd-shaped lot (the corners have angles other than 90 degrees). Start by designating the corners and measuring the distances between the points. Measure from A to B, B to C, C to D, and D to A. Make clear records of the dimensions and use the same unit of measurement. 

Then, calculate the additional value, which is the diagonal distance from A to C or B to D. The best way to get an accurate calculation is to enter the measurement into an online calculator. Keep in mind that the accuracy of the measurement will depend on the accuracy of the information you input. 

If you want to calculate the lot’s size without using an online tool, break the land’s shape into smaller areas. If possible, split it into regular shapes such as squares or rectangles. Then, measure the location of each smaller shape individually and add them together to find out the total size. This is possible if you have a clear and accurate map of the lot’s size. 

How Do I Work Out How Many Acres I Have?

To work out the property acreage, you need to know how big is a one-acre plot. One acre translates into 43,560 square feet. So, once you calculate the size of your parcel in square feet, you can easily convert it into acres. The simplest way is to divide the size in square feet by 43,560. For example, vacant land that is 350,000 square feet is actually eight acres.  

What Is The Average Lot Size?

The average lot size is under 8,600 square feet. An acre is 43,560 square feet; therefore, the median size of a lot is under one-fifth of an acre. Most states have adopted building and zoning ordinances from the IRC. These building codes require that all homes be built on 320 square feet. The minimum square footage is 120 square feet, with one or more rooms habitable. 

Can I Build Multiple Homes on One Lot?

Whether you can build multiple homes on one plot of land depends on the lot’s size and the rules and regulations in the area. Generally, you can build around five homes per acre, giving you about 8,600 square feet per house, which is also the average lot size in the US. The maximum size of building structures may be regulated through the joint operation of minimum lot size requirements and the maximum coverage standards. 

Calculating the Average Lot Size: What Is The Right Method?

We’ve outlined several methods to calculate the lot’s size. Which is the right one would entirely depend on your preferences. You may be more comfortable using GPS than a measuring wheel, or you may decide to hire a professional land surveyor. The bottom line is that you should go with the method you prefer. However, make sure you don’t sacrifice accuracy when choosing. At the end of the day, measuring the plot of land precisely should be your top priority.