If you are comparing a 5 marla, 8 marla, 10 marla or 1 kanal plot in Islamabad, the first thing to understand is the unit itself. Marla and kanal are used across Pakistan, but many first-time buyers, and many overseas Pakistanis, are not sure what they mean in square feet. This guide explains plot sizes in plain terms, with no prices, and shows how to read the size of any plot you are offered. What is a marla? A marla is a traditional unit of land area. The standard figure used in most official records is 272.25 square feet. A marla is not a fixed physical shape, so the same area can be a wide plot or a narrow one. What is a kanal? A kanal is a larger unit. One kanal is 20 marla, which is 5,445 square feet. Eight kanal make one acre, which is 43,560 square feet. Marla to square feet in Pakistan: a quick table Using the standard 272.25 square feet per marla: - 5 marla: about 1,361 square feet - 7 marla: about 1,906 square feet - 8 marla: about 2,178 square feet - 10 marla: about 2,723 square feet - 1 kanal (20 marla): 5,445 square feet - 2 kanal (40 marla): 10,890 square feet - 4 kanal (80 marla): 21,780 square feet - 8 kanal (160 marla): 43,560 square feet, one acre The four common sizes: 5, 8, 10 marla and 1 kanal 5 marla (about 1,361 square feet) Suits first-time builders, small families and anyone who wants lower upkeep. A typical layout is a compact two-storey home with a lounge, kitchen and one bedroom downstairs, and two or three bedrooms upstairs. 8 marla (about 2,178 square feet) Suits growing families who want more room than 5 marla without the upkeep of 10 marla. A typical layout has a drawing room, lounge, kitchen, car porch and one bedroom on the ground floor, with three bedrooms above and space for a small lawn or courtyard. 10 marla (about 2,723 square feet) Suits families who want a comfortable home with a small garden and parking for more than one car. A typical layout has a drawing room, lounge, kitchen and one or two bedrooms on the ground floor, and three or four bedrooms above. 1 kanal (5,445 square feet) Suits larger or joint families, and buyers who want a lawn, space for guests and more privacy. A typical layout has a wide ground floor with several living areas and bedrooms, a front lawn and parking for several cars. These layouts are only typical examples. What you can actually build depends on the covered area, setbacks and storeys allowed for the plot. Plot area is not the same as house size A plot size describes the land, not the building. The area you can build on depends on the rules of the authority and the society, including the covered area allowed, setbacks from the boundary and the number of storeys. Before you choose a size, ask for these rules in writing, so you know what a given plot can actually hold. A warning about different marla measures In some places and in some older documents, a marla is quoted at a different number of square feet. Some developers also describe plot sizes by their own measure. Always ask which measurement the project uses, ask for the exact dimensions in feet, for example length and width, and calculate the area yourself. If two projects use different measures, the same "5 marla" may not be the same land. How to choose between sizes - Smaller plots, such as 5 marla and 7 marla, suit compact homes and lower upkeep. - 8 marla suits a growing family that wants three or four bedrooms and a small lawn. - 10 marla gives room for a family home with a small garden and parking. - 1 kanal gives a larger home with a lawn, space for guests and more privacy. - Farmhouse sizes of several kanal are for people who want land around the house, outdoor space and a weekend retreat. Think about how many people will live there, whether you plan to build soon or later, and how much land you are happy to maintain. Plot categories at New Airport City New Airport City (NAC) is NOC Approved, issued by PHATA, the Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency, and sits on M-14 CPEC at Girja Link Road, Fateh Jang, near the New Islamabad International Airport. The master plan is by world-renowned town planner Meinhardt, with six communities, lakes and green zones. The farmhouse categories we can confirm are 4 Kanal and 8 Kanal lakefront farmhouses. That is 21,780 square feet and 43,560 square feet at the standard measure. For 5 marla, 8 marla, 10 marla and 1 kanal plots, and any other category, please ask our team for the current official list, and ask for the exact dimensions of the plot you are considering. The images on this page are renders that show the vision of the master plan. On site today you can see the green spaces and lakes, and visitors enjoy fishing and some kayaking. Questions to ask before you decide - Which marla measure does the project use, and what are the plot dimensions in feet? - Is the plot approved, and can I verify the NOC with the official office? - What building rules apply to this plot size? - Where exactly is the plot on the master plan? - Is the payment made only to the official company account? See it first, then decide Our approach is simple: see it first, then decide. Visit New Airport City, walk the land, ask for the plot dimensions and take your time. Overseas families can contact the team to plan a visit on their next trip home. Contact us - UAN: 051 111 051 111 (+92 51 111 051 111) - WhatsApp: +92 300 5005645 - UAE: +971 54 270 0007, +971 56 170 1622 - KSA: +966 50 342 1539 - UK: +44 7944 106430 - Email: info@newairportcityislamabad.com - Website: newairportcityislamabad.com Images are for illustrative purposes.