Why Are There Two Different Marla Sizes?
If you have searched for 1 marla in square feet, you may have come across two answers:
225 sq ft & 272.25 sq ft
It is easy to assume that one of them must be wrong.
But the reality is more useful than that.
Different authorities and housing schemes can use different definitions of the marla. In Peshawar, this becomes particularly relevant when comparing traditional measurements with DHA Peshawar.
225 vs 272.25 Square Feet
The difference is: 272.25 − 225 = 47.25 sq ft per marla
That may sound small.
But look at what happens when the plot gets larger:
| Plot | 225 sq ft | 272.25 sq ft | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Marla | 225 | 272.25 | 47.25 |
| 5 Marla | 1,125 | 1,361.25 | 236.25 |
| 7 Marla | 1,575 | 1,905.75 | 330.75 |
| 10 Marla | 2,250 | 2,722.50 | 472.50 |
| 20 Marla | 4,500 | 5,445 | 945 |
By the time we reach 10 or 20 marla, the difference becomes substantial.
DHA Peshawar Uses 225 Sq Ft
DHA Peshawar regulations define:
1 marla = 225 sq ft.
Therefore:
10 marla = 2,250 sq ft
and:
1 kanal = 4,500 sq ft.
The 272.25 Sq Ft Standard
The traditional 272.25 sq ft marla is based on:
16.5 ft × 16.5 ft = 272.25 sq ft
This measurement remains relevant in traditional and revenue-related land measurements and in some planning contexts.
The important point is that you should not automatically apply this number to every modern housing scheme.
Why Does This Matter to Architects?
Imagine a client tells us: “I have a 10 marla plot.”
Before drawing the house, we need to know what that actually means.
If the site is 2,250 sq ft, it is one design problem.
If the site is 2,722.5 sq ft, it is another.
The difference can affect:
- Parking
- Bedrooms
- Living spaces
- Staircase
- Kitchen
- Outdoor areas
- Natural light
- Ventilation
- Circulation
Plot Shape Matters Too
Area alone isn't enough.
Consider:
25 × 90 = 2,250 sq ft
and:
30 × 75 = 2,250 sq ft
Both have exactly the same area.
Yet they can produce very different house plans.
This is why architects work with actual site dimensions, not simply the number of marlas.
Which Marla Standard Should You Use?
The answer should come from the relevant property documents and authority.
For DHA Peshawar, use the DHA-defined 225 sq ft marla.
For another housing scheme, check its own regulations rather than assuming.
A Simple Way to Avoid Confusion
Whenever you hear: “This is a 10 marla plot.”
Ask:
“How many square feet is that according to the relevant authority?”
That one question can save you from comparing two properties that aren't actually the same size.