Bigha, Katha, Lessa & Square Feet: Assam Land Measurement Guide

Buying, selling, or checking land records in Assam can be confusing because land area is commonly written in traditional units such as Bigha, Katha, and Lessa (also spelled Lecha/Lesa). You may also see square feet, acres, square metres, and hectares.

This guide explains the important conversions and a crucial point: Bigha measurements are not uniform across all Assam documents and local contexts.

Quick Assam Land Measurement Conversion

According to an Assam government land-area metadata standard:

The official Assam land portal also commonly displays land schedules and transaction areas in the Bigha–Katha–Lessa (B-K-L) format.

Important: Other official Assam project and acquisition documents use a different local convention, such as 1 Bigha = 5 Katha = 20 Lessa = 14,400 sq. ft. This shows why you should never assume that every Assam document uses the same Bigha/Katha relationship without checking the relevant revenue-circle or document convention.

1. What Is a Lessa?

Lessa is the smallest commonly used traditional land-measurement unit in many Assam land records.

Basic conversion

1 Lessa = 144 square feet

Examples:

• 1 Lessa = 144 sq. ft.
• 2 Lessa = 288 sq. ft.
• 5 Lessa = 720 sq. ft.
• 10 Lessa = 1,440 sq. ft.
• 20 Lessa = 2,880 sq. ft. under the metadata standard cited above.

How to calculate Lessa into square feet

Square Feet = Number of Lessa × 144

For example:

7 Lessa × 144 = 1,008 sq. ft.

2. What Is a Katha?

A Katha is a traditional land unit larger than a Lessa.

Under the Assam metadata conversion standard:

1 Katha = 5 Lessa = 720 sq. ft.

Examples

Katha	Lessa	Square Feet
1 Katha	5 Lessa	720 sq. ft.
2 Katha	10 Lessa	1,440 sq. ft.
3 Katha	15 Lessa	2,160 sq. ft.
4 Katha	20 Lessa	2,880 sq. ft.

Katha to square feet formula

Square Feet = Katha × 720

Example:

3 Katha = 3 × 720 = 2,160 sq. ft.

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3. What Is a Bigha?

A Bigha is a larger traditional unit used in land records.

Under the Assam land-area metadata conversion standard:

1 Bigha = 4 Katha = 20 Lessa = 2,880 sq. ft.

However, you must be careful: other Assam government documents use a local convention of:

1 Bigha = 5 Katha = 20 Lessa = 14,400 sq. ft.

This difference may relate to the specific measurement convention or local revenue context used in a document. Therefore, before calculating the value or size of a plot, verify the unit basis used for that particular district, revenue circle, land record, survey, or official transaction.

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4. The B-K-L Format Explained

Assam land records often show land area as:

B-K-L = Bigha–Katha–Lessa

For example:

2 Bigha 3 Katha 4 Lessa

means:

• 2 Bigha
• 3 Katha
• 4 Lessa

The B-K-L format is widely used in Assam land records and land-related government services.

Important note

You must first confirm the local conversion system before converting the full B-K-L figure into square feet.

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5. How to Convert B-K-L to Square Feet

Method 1: Using the 4 Katha = 1 Bigha standard

Under the metadata standard:

• 1 Bigha = 2,880 sq. ft.
• 1 Katha = 720 sq. ft.
• 1 Lessa = 144 sq. ft.

Formula

Total Square Feet = (Bigha × 2,880) + (Katha × 720) + (Lessa × 144)

Example: 1 Bigha 2 Katha 3 Lessa

• 1 Bigha = 2,880 sq. ft.
• 2 Katha = 1,440 sq. ft.
• 3 Lessa = 432 sq. ft.

Total = 4,752 sq. ft.

6. Example Calculations

Example 1: 10 Lessa

10 × 144 = 1,440 sq. ft.

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Example 2: 2 Katha 3 Lessa

• 2 Katha = 2 × 720 = 1,440 sq. ft.
• 3 Lessa = 3 × 144 = 432 sq. ft.

Total = 1,872 sq. ft.

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Example 3: 3 Katha 4 Lessa

• 3 Katha = 2,160 sq. ft.
• 4 Lessa = 576 sq. ft.

Total = 2,736 sq. ft.

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7. Square Feet to Lessa Conversion

To convert square feet into Lessa:

Lessa = Square Feet ÷ 144

Examples

• 720 sq. ft. ÷ 144 = 5 Lessa
• 1,440 sq. ft. ÷ 144 = 10 Lessa
• 2,880 sq. ft. ÷ 144 = 20 Lessa

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8. Square Feet to Katha Conversion

Under the 720 sq. ft. per Katha standard:

Katha = Square Feet ÷ 720

Examples

• 720 sq. ft. = 1 Katha
• 1,440 sq. ft. = 2 Katha
• 2,160 sq. ft. = 3 Katha
• 3,600 sq. ft. = 5 Katha

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9. Square Feet to Bigha Conversion

If the applicable local standard is 1 Bigha = 2,880 sq. ft.:

Bigha = Square Feet ÷ 2,880

For example:

5,760 sq. ft. ÷ 2,880 = 2 Bigha

If your particular local or official document uses 1 Bigha = 14,400 sq. ft., use that basis instead. This distinction is essential in Assam land transactions.

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10. Lessa to Katha Conversion

Under the 5-Lessa-per-Katha standard:

Katha = Lessa ÷ 5

Examples:

• 5 Lessa = 1 Katha
• 10 Lessa = 2 Katha
• 15 Lessa = 3 Katha
• 20 Lessa = 4 Katha

11. Important Conversion Table

Unit	Equivalent
1 Lessa	144 sq. ft.
2 Lessa	288 sq. ft.
3 Lessa	432 sq. ft.
4 Lessa	576 sq. ft.
5 Lessa	1 Katha = 720 sq. ft.
10 Lessa	1,440 sq. ft.
15 Lessa	2,160 sq. ft.
20 Lessa	4 Katha = 2,880 sq. ft.

The table above follows the Assam metadata standard; always verify the measurement convention applicable to the specific land record.

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12. Why Assam Land Measurement Can Be Confusing

Land measurement is not always straightforward because traditional units can vary across regions and documents. Bigha and Katha are local units, and official Assam documents themselves can show different Bigha/Katha relationships.

For example, one Assam government metadata standard specifies:

• 1 Bigha = 4 Katha
• 1 Katha = 5 Lessa
• 1 Bigha = 20 Lessa

Other official Assam documents state:

• 1 Bigha = 5 Katha
• 1 Bigha = 20 Lessa
• 1 Bigha = 14,400 sq. ft.

So, do not rely on a generic online calculator alone when purchasing land.

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13. What to Check Before Buying Land in Assam

Before purchasing land, check:

1. The measurement written in the Jamabandi

Check whether the land area is shown in B-K-L format.

2. The exact local measurement convention

Ask the relevant Revenue Circle or qualified land professional which conversion applies to the specific land.

3. Dag number

The Dag number identifies the particular plot.

4. Patta number and Patta type

Check whether the land has the correct patta status and ownership details.

5. Actual physical measurement

The land’s boundary measurement should match the official record and survey.

6. Registered deed

The area in the deed should be carefully checked against the land records.

7. Measurement conversion

Do not calculate the property’s value in square feet until you have confirmed the applicable Bigha–Katha–Lessa standard.

Assam’s official Mission Basundhara services use Bigha–Katha–Lessa land schedules for several land-related applications.

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14. Simple Formula to Remember

Lessa to Square Feet

Lessa × 144

Katha to Square Feet

Katha × 720
(where 1 Katha = 5 Lessa)

Bigha to Square Feet

Confirm the applicable local/revenue convention first.

Two figures found in official Assam sources include:

• 2,880 sq. ft. per Bigha under the cited metadata standard.
• 14,400 sq. ft. per Bigha in other Assam government documents.

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15. Quick Example: Calculating Land Price

Suppose a plot measures 2,880 sq. ft. and the land price is ₹1,000 per sq. ft.

2,880 × ₹1,000 = ₹28,80,000

But the first step is always to confirm that the B-K-L conversion used for the land is correct.

16. The Most Important Assam Conversion System

A major point to clarify is that official Assam sources are not fully consistent. However, recent Assam government land-acquisition documents commonly use this relationship:

• 1 Bigha = 5 Katha
• 1 Katha = 20 Lessa
• 1 Bigha = 100 Lessa
• 1 Lessa = 144 square feet
• 1 Katha = 2,880 square feet
• 1 Bigha = 14,400 square feet

This convention is also used in a recent Assam government project document based on the Revenue Department, Kamrup.

Easy Formula

1 Bigha → 5 Katha → 100 Lessa → 14,400 sq. ft.

1 Katha → 20 Lessa → 2,880 sq. ft.

1 Lessa → 144 sq. ft.

Important: A separate government metadata standard lists a different Assam conversion of 1 Katha = 5 Lessa and 1 Bigha = 2,880 sq. ft. Therefore, the measurement basis in the specific revenue record or official document must always be checked before a transaction.

17. Bigha to Square Feet Conversion Table

Bigha	Katha	Lessa	Square Feet
0.10	0.5	10	1,440
0.25	1.25	25	3,600
0.50	2.5	50	7,200
1	5	100	14,400
2	10	200	28,800
3	15	300	43,200
5	25	500	72,000
10	50	1,000	1,44,000

This table uses the 1 Bigha = 14,400 sq. ft. convention.

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18. Katha to Square Feet Conversion Table

Katha	Square Feet
0.5 Katha	1,440 sq. ft.
1 Katha	2,880 sq. ft.
2 Katha	5,760 sq. ft.
3 Katha	8,640 sq. ft.
4 Katha	11,520 sq. ft.
5 Katha	14,400 sq. ft.
10 Katha	28,800 sq. ft.

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19. Lessa to Square Feet Conversion Table

Since 1 Lessa = 144 square feet, the following table is useful for buyers:

Lessa	Square Feet
1	144
2	288
5	720
10	1,440
15	2,160
20	2,880
25	3,600
50	7,200
75	10,800
100	14,400

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20. How to Read 1B-2K-10L

Land area in Assam may be written in the following format:

1B-2K-10L

It means:

• 1 Bigha
• 2 Katha
• 10 Lessa

Using the 1 Bigha = 5 Katha = 100 Lessa convention:

• 1 Bigha = 14,400 sq. ft.
• 2 Katha = 5,760 sq. ft.
• 10 Lessa = 1,440 sq. ft.

Total = 21,600 square feet

This B-K-L format is used in Assam government land-service workflows, including land schedules associated with Mission Basundhara services.

21. How to Convert Any B-K-L Figure

Formula

Total Square Feet = (Bigha × 14,400) + (Katha × 2,880) + (Lessa × 144)

Example: 3 Bigha 4 Katha 15 Lessa

• 3 Bigha = 43,200 sq. ft.
• 4 Katha = 11,520 sq. ft.
• 15 Lessa = 2,160 sq. ft.

Total Land Area = 56,880 square feet

Again, use this formula only after confirming that your relevant local record uses this measurement convention.

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22. How to Convert B-K-L into Total Lessa

This is one of the easiest methods for calculation.

Formula

Total Lessa = (Bigha × 100) + (Katha × 20) + Lessa

Example: 2 Bigha 3 Katha 5 Lessa

(2 × 100) + (3 × 20) + 5 = 265 Lessa

Then:

265 × 144 = 38,160 square feet

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23. How to Convert Square Feet into B-K-L

Suppose the plot is 10,000 square feet.

Step 1: Convert to Lessa

10,000 ÷ 144 = 69.44 Lessa

So, it is approximately 69.44 Lessa.

Step 2: Convert to Katha and Lessa

Since 20 Lessa = 1 Katha:

69.44 Lessa = 3 Katha + 9.44 Lessa

Therefore, the approximate B-K-L equivalent is:

0 Bigha 3 Katha 9.44 Lessa

For exact revenue transactions, follow the official measurement and rounding method used by the relevant authority.

24. What Is a Dag Number?

A Dag Number is an important identification number assigned to a particular land parcel or plot in land records.

When checking a property, do not focus only on the total land area. Also verify:

• Dag Number
• Patta Number
• Name of the Pattadar
• Land classification
• Total land area
• Area being sold
• Mutation status
• Boundary details

Mission Basundhara workflows use the selected Dag to populate the relevant land schedule in Bigha–Katha–Lessa format.

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25. What Is the Difference Between Land Area and Plot Dimensions?

This is an important point for buyers.

Land Area

The total size of the land.

For example:

14,400 sq. ft. = 1 Bigha under the applicable 5-Katha/100-Lessa convention.

Plot Dimensions

The length and width of the land.

For example:

120 feet × 120 feet = 14,400 sq. ft.

But not every plot has a perfect rectangular shape. A triangular or irregular plot may have the same total area with completely different boundary dimensions.

26. Why You Should Not Measure Land Only by the Boundary

Imagine a seller says:

“The plot is 1 Katha.”

You should not rely only on the verbal statement.

Check:

1. Official land record
2. Registered deed
3. Dag details
4. Survey or map
5. Actual boundaries
6. Whether the measurement refers to gross or transferable area
7. The local Bigha-Katha-Lessa conversion

Even a small conversion mistake can create a major difference in land value.

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27. Calculate Land Price Per Katha

Suppose the land price is:

₹2,000 per square foot

If 1 Katha = 2,880 sq. ft.:

2,880 × ₹2,000 = ₹57,60,000 per Katha

So, at this rate:

Area	Approximate Price
1 Lessa	₹2,88,000
5 Lessa	₹14,40,000
10 Lessa	₹28,80,000
1 Katha	₹57,60,000
1 Bigha	₹2.88 crore

This is only an example using ₹2,000 per sq. ft.

28. How to Compare Two Land Offers

Suppose:

Plot A

2 Katha 10 Lessa

Total:

• 2 Katha = 5,760 sq. ft.
• 10 Lessa = 1,440 sq. ft.

Total = 7,200 sq. ft.

Plot B

2 Katha 15 Lessa

Total:

• 2 Katha = 5,760 sq. ft.
• 15 Lessa = 2,160 sq. ft.

Total = 7,920 sq. ft.

Difference

7,920 − 7,200 = 720 sq. ft.

So, Plot B has 720 square feet more land.

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29. Common Land Measurement Terms in Assam

Bigha (বিঘা)

A large traditional unit used for measuring land.

Katha (কঠা)

A smaller traditional land unit.

Lessa / Lecha (লেছা)

A smaller subdivision used for precise land measurement.

Square Feet

A standard unit widely used in property advertisements and urban real estate.

B-K-L

Short form for:

Bigha–Katha–Lessa

Dag

The identifying number of a particular land parcel.

Patta

A land-right or settlement record used in Assam’s land-revenue system.

Jamabandi

The Record of Rights containing important land information.

30. Difference Between Assam and West Bengal Land Measurement

This is very important because Katha and Bigha do not have the same meaning everywhere.

A person buying land in Assam should not automatically use a West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, or other state’s land converter.

The name of the unit may be the same, but the actual area can be different. The Government of India’s land-record metadata standards specifically list Bigha (Assam), Katha (Assam), and Lessa as separate land-record units, which reflects the importance of local measurement conventions.

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31. Acre to Square Feet Conversion

For larger land parcels, Acre is also useful.

1 Acre = 43,560 square feet

Using the 14,400 sq. ft. Bigha convention:

1 Acre ≈ 3.025 Bigha

Example

If land is 2 Acres:

2 × 43,560 = 87,120 sq. ft.

87,120 ÷ 14,400 ≈ 6.05 Bigha

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32. Bigha to Acre Conversion

Using 1 Bigha = 14,400 sq. ft.:

1 Bigha ≈ 0.3306 Acre

3 Bigha ≈ 0.9917 Acre

5 Bigha ≈ 1.653 Acre

10 Bigha ≈ 3.306 Acres

33. Bigha to Square Metre Conversion

Using 1 Bigha = 14,400 sq. ft.:

1 Bigha ≈ 1,337.8 square metres

1 Katha ≈ 267.56 square metres

1 Lessa ≈ 13.38 square metres

These approximate metric conversions are useful when comparing traditional land records with modern survey or planning documents.

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34. Questions to Ask Before Buying a Plot

Before paying an advance, ask:

• What is the exact area in B-K-L?
• How many square feet does it represent?
• Which Bigha-Katha-Lessa conversion is being used?
• What is the Dag Number?
• What is the Patta Number?
• Who is the recorded Pattadar?
• Does the deed show the same area?
• Has the land been properly mutated?
• Are the boundaries clear?
• Is there any encroachment?
• Is the plot connected to a legal access road?
• Does the physical measurement match the official record?

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35. Best Practice for Assam Land Buyers

The safest method is:

B-K-L shown in record → Confirm local conversion → Convert to square feet → Compare deed → Verify physical measurement

Never use:

Broker’s verbal claim → Quick online calculator → Purchase

The Directorate of Land Records maintains official Assam land manuals and land-record resources, which can be useful when checking the legal and revenue context of land measurements.

Final Thoughts

Understanding Bigha, Katha, Lessa, and Square Feet is essential for anyone dealing with land in Assam. While square feet is useful for comparing property sizes and prices, the traditional Bigha–Katha–Lessa (B-K-L) system remains important in Assam’s land records and government services. Mission Basundhara, for example, uses B-K-L when displaying land schedules for a Dag and entering land areas for several revenue services.

The most important lesson is that you should never assume a conversion without checking the measurement convention used in the specific land record. Government and institutional sources can show different conversion standards, so before calculating the actual land area or property value, verify the relevant Jamabandi, registered deed, survey details, and official revenue records.

A simple approach is:

Check B-K-L → Verify the applicable conversion → Convert to square feet → Compare the deed and land records → Confirm the physical measurement.

Ultimately, correct land measurement can help buyers and landowners avoid pricing mistakes, area disputes, documentation problems, and costly errors. Before making a major transaction, consult the relevant Assam revenue authorities or official land records.