How to Convert Square Meters, Square Feet and Acres

Area conversions come up with property listings, flooring, gardens and land — and because area is "squared," the factors aren't the same as for length. Here's how it works.

The key factors

• 1 m² ≈ 10.764 ft² (note: it's 3.28², not 3.28)
• 1 acre ≈ 4,047 m² ≈ 43,560 ft²
• 1 hectare = 10,000 m² ≈ 2.47 acres

The squared trap

A common error: people convert area using the linear factor. Since 1 m = 3.28 ft, 1 m² = 3.28² = 10.76 ft² — you square the factor. Forgetting this gives an answer that's off by more than 3×.

Convert any area

Our free area converter handles m², ft², acres, hectares and more. For the lengths of each side, use the length converter.

Bottom line

Area factors are the squared version of length factors (1 m² ≈ 10.76 ft², not 3.28). Get that right — or use a converter — and you won't dramatically misjudge a room, plot or property size.