Enter the area value first. Then choose the source and target units and select “Convert.” The swap button exchanges both units without requiring you to enter the value again.
Why the length factor is squared
Area has two dimensions. Because one metre is 100 centimetres long, one square metre contains 100 × 100 = 10,000 square centimetres, not 100. A linear conversion factor therefore cannot be used unchanged for area.
Useful conversion factors
Starting area
Equivalent
1 m²
10,000 cm² · about 10.7639 ft²
1 are
100 m²
1 hectare
10,000 m² · 100 ares
1 acre
4,046.8564224 m²
1 square mile
2.589988110336 km² · 640 acres
Small and large examples
A tile covering 0.09 m² has an area of 900 cm². A 25 m² room is about 269.098 ft². A 2 ha plot contains 20,000 m² or about 4.9421 acres.
Using the result
The converter changes an area value that is already known. It does not calculate area from length and width or account for measurement uncertainty and property boundaries. Round the final result rather than intermediate values and retain enough decimal places for planning or surveying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the length factor squared for area?
Area has a length and a width. Changing the linear unit applies the same factor to both dimensions, so the factor is multiplied by itself.
How many square metres are in a hectare?
One hectare equals exactly 10,000 square metres or 100 ares.
What is the difference between an acre and a hectare?
One acre equals exactly 4,046.8564224 m². A hectare contains 10,000 m² and is about 2.47105 times as large as an acre.
How do I convert square feet to square metres?
Multiply square feet by 0.09290304. In the other direction, one square metre is about 10.76391 square feet.
How many decimal places should I use?
That depends on the measurement and purpose. Two places are often enough for rough room planning, while technical results should not imply more precision than their inputs.
Can I use this for property and room areas?
Yes, when the area is already known. Use the room-area or shape-area calculator when you need to calculate an area from dimensions.
