Acre vs Hectare
Side-by-side comparison, when-to-use-each guide, and instant conversion. Reviewed for 2026.
Traditional farmland (UK, US, Commonwealth), real estate in some Commonwealth nations.
EU agriculture (CAP), all metric agriculture, scientific land measurement.
| Aspect | Acre | Hectare |
|---|---|---|
| Square metres | 4,047 m² | 10,000 m² exactly |
| Origin | One day's ploughing by ox | Modern SI-aligned area |
| 1 unit equals | ≈ 0.405 hectares | ≈ 2.471 acres |
| Common references | 60% of football pitch | International rugby pitch ≈ 1 hectare |
Frequently asked
How many acres in 1 km²?
1 km² = 100 hectares = 247.1 acres. Key equivalences: 1 hectare = 2.471 acres = 10,000 m². An international rugby pitch is ~1 hectare. A standard UK allotment plot is 250 m² (one-fortieth of a hectare). The UK still uses acres for large land areas, especially in agriculture and property.
Why is an acre that exact number?
An acre was historically '1 furlong × 1 chain' = 660 ft × 66 ft = 43,560 ft². The furlong (1/8 mile) was the length an ox team could plough before resting; the chain was a surveying measure. Since 1959 the international acre has been defined as exactly 4,046.8564224 m², or about 0.4047 hectares.
Frequently asked questions
How many acres in 1 km²?
1 km² = 100 hectares = 247.1 acres. Key equivalences: 1 hectare = 2.471 acres = 10,000 m². An international rugby pitch is ~1 hectare. A standard UK allotment plot is 250 m² (one-fortieth of a hectare). The UK still uses acres for large land areas, especially in agriculture and property.
Why is an acre that exact number?
An acre was historically '1 furlong × 1 chain' = 660 ft × 66 ft = 43,560 ft². The furlong (1/8 mile) was the length an ox team could plough before resting; the chain was a surveying measure. Since 1959 the international acre has been defined as exactly 4,046.8564224 m², or about 0.4047 hectares.