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Calculating Acreage

Let’s first define the term acre. An acre is a common unit of land measurement equal to 43,560 square feet.   In other words, there are 43,560 square feet in 1 acre.  Now that we know this unit of measure, the rest is easy!

Do you remember sitting in Math class thinking to yourself, “When will I ever use this in my life!” Well, that lesson on determining the area of a square, rectangle, triangle or circle is used in determining how many acres are in a forest or on that property your going to purchase.  Still confused? Just hang with me for a moment!

Before we can begin calculating acreage let’s review for a moment.  Do you remember the formulas for determining the area of a square, rectangle, triangle or circle?  For a square or rectangle it is Area=Length x Width.  For a triangle it is A= (1/2) x Base x Height. For a circle it is A = (πr2), where π equals 3.141592.

Let’s practice determining the area of a rectangle. Example: A rectangle measures a length of 60 and a width of 30.  What is the Area?

rectangle with a length of 60 an width of 30

  • Area = Length x Width
  • Area = 60 x 30
  • Area = 180, so the area equals 180

Let’s practice determining the area of a triangle. Example: An equilateral triangle (not to scale) measures a base of 70 and a height of 30.  What is the Area?

triangle with a base of 70 and height of 30

  • A = (1/2) Base x Height
  • Area = (1/2) x 70 x 30
  • Area = .5 x 70 x 30
  • Area = 1,050

Clear as mud at this point? Well, it will come together because you’re ready to determine land acreage!  Remember, there are 43,560 square feet in 1 acre. 

Example: Mr. Loblolly Pine’s property measures 1550 feet by 560 feet.  How many acres does Mr. Loblolly Pine own?

rectangle with a length of 1550 ft and width of 560 ft

  • Area = Length x Width
  • Area = 1550 feet x 560 feet
  • Area = 868,000 square feet

Total Acres = 868,000 square feet divided by 43,560 square feet
(Answer) Total Acres = 19.93 acres
Mr. Loblolly Pine owns 19.93 acres!

Let’s practice another problem.  Mr. Red Maple’s forestland property measures 1440 feet by 1440 feet.

rectangle with a length of 1440 ft and a width of 1440 ft

  • Area = Length x Width
  • Area = 1440 feet x 1440 feet
  • Area = 2,073,600 square feet

Total Acres = 2,073,600 square feet divided by 43,560 square feet
(Answer) Total Acres = 47.60 acres
Mr. Red Maple owns 47.60 acres!

 

Let’s try a triangular shape property!  Remember the area of a triangle is Area = (1/2) Base x Height.

Example: Mr. Yellow Poplar triangular stand of trees measure 600 feet at the base of the property with a height or distance of 560 feet to the point of the property.  What I is the acreage?

triangle with a base of 600 ft. and a height of 560 ft.

  • Area = (1/2) Base x Height
  • Area = 0.5 x 600 feet x 560 feet
  • Area = 168,000 square feet

Total Acres = 168,000 square feet divided by 43,560 square feet
(Answer) Total Acres = 3.86 acres

We know that not all properties are a perfect rectangle or square, but using this method will get you close to the total acreage of a property.  Another method of calculating the acreage of a property is to use a handheld GPS unit.

The individual or forester will select "acreage" on the GPS, hit start, and walk the entire boundary of the property and when they end up back at the same point, he or she will hit end and calculate acreage.  The GPS unit will give you an accurate measurement of the total acres within the area of the boundary walked.

 

 

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