Hectare vs Acre: How Big Are They?
Complete comparison guide to understand the difference between hectares and acres, with conversion tools and real-world size examples.
Quick Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of hectares and acres
Hectare (ha)
Metric unit of area
Acre
Imperial unit of area
Key Difference
1 hectare = 2.47 acres — A hectare is approximately 2.5 times larger than an acre
Conversion Calculator
Convert between hectares and acres instantly
Hectares
Acres
Visual Size Comparison
See how hectares and acres compare to real-world objects
Football Pitch
1 acre ≈ 1 football pitch
1 hectare ≈ 2.5 football pitches
Average House
1 acre ≈ 4-6 UK houses
1 hectare ≈ 10-15 UK houses
Car Park
1 acre ≈ 150-200 spaces
1 hectare ≈ 375-500 spaces
Detailed Comparison Table
Complete conversion reference for hectares and acres
| Hectares | Acres | Square Metres | Square Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 ha | 1.24 acres | 5,000 m² | 53,819.469 sq ft |
| 1 ha | 2.47 acres | 10,000 m² | 107,638.938 sq ft |
| 2 ha | 4.94 acres | 20,000 m² | 215,277.876 sq ft |
| 5 ha | 12.36 acres | 50,000 m² | 538,194.69 sq ft |
| 10 ha | 24.71 acres | 100,000 m² | 1,076,389.38 sq ft |
| 20 ha | 49.42 acres | 200,000 m² | 2,152,778.76 sq ft |
| 50 ha | 123.55 acres | 500,000 m² | 5,381,946.9 sq ft |
| 100 ha | 247.10 acres | 1,000,000 m² | 10,763,893.8 sq ft |
When to Use Hectares vs Acres
Understanding which unit is appropriate for different contexts
Use Hectares When:
- ✓Working with metric measurements (most of the world)
- ✓Measuring large agricultural or forestry land
- ✓Official planning and land registry documents in metric countries
- ✓Scientific or academic research
Use Acres When:
- ✓Buying or selling land in the UK or US
- ✓Real estate listings and property descriptions
- ✓Historical or traditional land measurements
- ✓Smaller plots (under 10 hectares)
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about hectares and acres
How many acres are in a hectare?
There are approximately 2.471 acres in 1 hectare. More precisely, 1 hectare = 2.47105 acres. This means a hectare is about 2.5 times larger than an acre.
How many hectares are in an acre?
There are approximately 0.405 hectares in 1 acre. More precisely, 1 acre = 0.404686 hectares. This means an acre is about 40% of a hectare.
Which is bigger: a hectare or an acre?
A hectare is bigger than an acre. One hectare equals approximately 2.47 acres, making it about 2.5 times larger. A hectare is 10,000 square metres, while an acre is 4,047 square metres.
Why do we use both hectares and acres?
Hectares are part of the metric system and are used internationally, while acres are part of the imperial system and are still commonly used in the UK and US for land measurement. The UK officially uses metric, but acres remain popular in real estate and agriculture due to tradition and familiarity.
How do I convert hectares to acres?
To convert hectares to acres, multiply the number of hectares by 2.471. For example, 5 hectares × 2.471 = 12.355 acres. You can use the conversion calculator above for precise conversions.
How do I convert acres to hectares?
To convert acres to hectares, multiply the number of acres by 0.405 (or divide by 2.471). For example, 10 acres × 0.405 = 4.05 hectares. Use the calculator above for accurate conversions.
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