Difference Between Marla and Kanal in Punjab and Haryana

Understanding Kanal and Marla relationship

In both Punjab and Haryana, the relationship between kanal and marla is officially fixed:

1 Kanal = 20 Marlas

This division is standard across the revenue departments of both states. However, the absolute size of a marla (and consequently, a kanal) in square feet can vary based on whether you are using the 'Standard' (Karam) or 'Local' district administrative measurement system. Under the standard state system:

• 1 Marla = 272.25 square feet (30.25 square yards / 25.29 square metres)
• 1 Kanal = 5,445 square feet (605 square yards / 505.85 square metres)

This means a kanal is roughly one-eighth of a standard acre.

The Karam-Based Calculations

Traditional land measurements in Punjab and Haryana are based on a unit of length called a 'Karam'. A standard karam is exactly 57 inches (4.75 feet).

• One square karam is called a 'Sarsahi'.
• 9 Sarsahis make exactly 1 Marla.

Let us calculate the math: 1 Karam × 1 Karam = 4.75 feet × 4.75 feet = 22.5625 square feet. 1 Sarsahi = 22.5625 sq ft. 1 Marla = 9 Sarsahis = 9 × 22.5625 = 203.06 square feet (Local/Mughal Marla) OR 272.25 square feet (Standard/Karam Marla based on a 66-inch karam used in specific revenue settlements).

Always ask the local patwari which karam length (54, 57, or 66 inches) was used to compile the village's shajra (map).

Conversion Tables for Punjab and Haryana

To convert land units, refer to this standard grid:

How to Read a Fard Record

A 'Fard-a-Kendra' is the official land ownership copy issued by the PLRS (Punjab Land Records Society) or Jamabandi Haryana portal. When checking a Fard, the area is written as:

Kanal - Marla - Sarsahi (e.g., 4-12-3)

To compute the area of '4-12-3':

• 4 Kanals = 4 × 5,445 = 21,780 sq ft
• 12 Marlas = 12 × 272.25 = 3,267 sq ft
• 3 Sarsahis = 3 × 22.56 = 67.68 sq ft
• Total Area = 25,114.68 sq ft.

Always review the header to ensure there are no active liens or bank mortgages registered against the Khasra number.

Common Pitfalls in Land Deals

• Pitfall 1: Assuming Marla size is standard: In urban areas like Jalandhar or Ludhiana, private colonizers sometimes use a smaller 225 sq ft or 240 sq ft marla for residential plots. The government registry, however, will calculate registry fee base values on standard revenue marlas (272.25 sq ft).
• Pitfall 2: Confusing Killa and Acre: In Punjab, 1 killa is exactly 1 acre. But in some dryland tehsils, local killas are measured differently. Always check the mutation deeds.
• Pitfall 3: Not verifying share holdings: Agricultural fields are often shared among brothers. Ensure you get a demarcation certificate (Nishandehi) showing your exact physically boundary.