Land Development5 min read•Published 2026-07-15

Understanding Nepal Land Measurement Units: Terai vs Hilly Systems Explained

A clear guide to converting Bigha, Katha, Dhur (used in Dhangadhi, Kailali, and the Terai) into Ropani, Aana, Paisa, Daam (used in Kathmandu and Hilly regions) and Square Feet / Square Meters.

K
Kaltade Technical Advisory Team
Survey & Measurement Division • Kaltade Engineering Services
Understanding Nepal Land Measurement Units: Terai vs Hilly Systems Explained

In Nepal, land measurement follows two distinct historical systems based on geography: the Terai System (Bigha-Katha-Dhur) and the Hilly System (Ropani-Aana-Paisa-Daam). Understanding both is crucial for property transactions and investment analysis.

1. The Terai System (Standard in Dhangadhi, Kailali, and southern plains):

• 1 Bigha = 20 Katha = 400 Dhur = 72,900 sq.ft. (approx. 6,772.63 sq. meters)

• 1 Katha = 20 Dhur = 3,645 sq.ft. (approx. 338.63 sq. meters)

• 1 Dhur = 182.25 sq.ft. (approx. 16.93 sq. meters)

2. The Hilly System (Standard in Kathmandu Valley and hilly districts):

• 1 Ropani = 16 Aana = 5,476 sq.ft. (approx. 508.74 sq. meters)

• 1 Aana = 4 Paisa = 342.25 sq.ft. (approx. 31.80 sq. meters)

• 1 Paisa = 4 Daam = 85.56 sq.ft. (approx. 7.95 sq. meters)

• 1 Daam = 21.39 sq.ft. (approx. 1.99 sq. meters)

3. Practical Quick Conversion Rules:

1 Bigha is equal to approximately 13.31 Ropani. 1 Katha is equal to approximately 10.65 Aana. 1 Ropani is equal to approximately 1.50 Katha.

4. Use Kaltade's Interactive Converter:

On our website, you can use our built-in Nepal Land Measurement Converter to instantly compute equivalents between any system and square feet/square meters.

Key Topics:#Land Measurement#Bigha Katha Dhur#Ropani Aana#Surveying Nepal
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