Ropani vs Bigha: Nepal's Two Land Measurement Systems Explained
If you're working on land across different parts of Nepal, you'll run into two entirely separate measurement systems: Ropani-Aana-Paisa-Daam in the hilly regions, and Bigha-Kattha-Dhur in the Terai plains. Neither is a simple multiple of the other, so conversions matter.
Key Facts
- • 1 Ropani = 5,476 sq.ft (hilly areas)
- • 1 Bigha = 72,900 sq.ft (Terai)
- • 1 Bigha ≈ 13.31 Ropani
- • 1 Kattha ≈ 0.67 Ropani
Which system applies depends entirely on where the land is located, not on plot size. A small residential plot in Kathmandu will be quoted in Aana; a similarly small plot in a Terai town will be quoted in Kattha or Dhur — the two are not interchangeable by convention, only by area. When comparing land across both regions (for example, evaluating investment options), convert everything to a common unit like square feet first. Our Area Converter tool does this automatically across all seven traditional units plus square feet and square meters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just say a plot is "X Ropani" if it's in the Terai?
Technically the area converts fine, but locally and on official documents, Terai land is measured and registered in Bigha-Kattha-Dhur, not Ropani. Use the region-appropriate unit for anything official.