Calculating the Square Meters of Property: A Comprehensive Guide
For anyone purchasing or managing a property, understanding how to accurately calculate the square meters (or square feet) of the land is crucial. This article aims to provide a detailed guide on how to calculate the area of property, from simple rectangular shapes to more complex forms.
Simple Rectangular Properties
The calculation for the square meters of a rectangular property is straightforward. Measure the length and width of the property in meters using a metric measuring device. Then, multiply these two values together. The formula is as follows:
Property Rectangular Area Length x Width
Other Shapes and Complex Properties
However, not all properties are rectangular. Some may have irregular shapes such as squares, triangles, parallelograms, trapeziums, and rhombuses. Each of these shapes requires a different method for area calculation.
Property Square Area Side2
Property Triangular Area 1/2 Base x Altitude
Property Parallelogram Area Base x Altitude
Property Trapezium Area 1/2 (Sum of Parallel Sides) x Altitude
Property Rhombus Area 1/2 x Diagonal1 x Diagonal2
Complex Shapes and Broken Up Rectangles
For properties that are not rectangular or have complex shapes, it is necessary to break up the property into smaller, more manageable shapes. Calculate the area of each shape and then sum these areas to get the total area of the property.
Circular and Oval/Elliptical Properties
For circular or oval/elliptical properties, more sophisticated methods are required. The area of a circle is calculated using the formula:
Property Circular Area π r2
Where π (pi) is approximately 3.14159 and r2 is the radius squared. For an ellipse:
Property Elliptical Area π a b
Where a and b are the semi-major and semi-minor axes of the ellipse, respectively.
General Considerations for Square Footage
While the square meters of a property can be calculated based on its shape, it is also important to note that the area of a property is often considered in its entirety. This means that when houses and buildings are sold, the square footage includes the total usable living space, excluding garages, basements, porches, or outbuildings.
Property Boundaries and Surveying
When dealing with large properties, understanding the location of property lines is crucial. Property lines are often marked with pink plastic ribbons and may also have markers such as steel fence posts, wooden stakes, or marks on rocks. These markers are significant for legal and practical reasons. However, due to natural factors such as falling trees, land slides, or even animals, these markers may move or become obscured. Therefore, it is often necessary to periodically walk the property’s boundaries to ensure that the markers are still in place and in the correct location.
From an engineering perspective, the square footage of a property is typically measured as its projection on a horizontal plane. This means that even if the land undulates, the area is calculated based on the vertical projection onto a flat surface, not the actual length along the ground.
Official Records and Certainty
The most accurate and reliable way to find the square meters of your property is to read it from the land description in your "Deed of Ownership" or from the records in your County Recorder’s office. This documentation will reference the "Parcel Number" found on your annual tax bill, which is a legal and official area measurement for your property.
Unless your property is absolutely flat or very small, it is hard to measure it accurately yourself. Surveying involves highly specialized techniques and is a refined art. Hiring a professional surveyor is recommended for properties that have intricate or complex shapes.