How to Measure an Acre Wide & Long

The acre has been a unit of measurement for hundreds of years. The term was most likely coined by farmers to measure their fields for plowing and is still used today when purchasing or surveying land. One acre contains 43,560 square feet of land, based on width and length measurements of 66 feet by 660 feet. You can measure an acre using simple tools.

Things You'll Need

• 700 feet of string
• Tape measure

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Measure two lengths of string to 66 feet and 660 feet. Cut the lengths and neatly roll up.

   • 2

     Determine the starting point for measurement. Also decide which directions you will use for the width and the length.

   • 3

     Anchor both pieces of string into the ground with a heavy object or steak. Take one of the strings and walk out in a straight line until you run out of string. Repeat with the other string.