A section of land represents one square mile, equivalent to 640 acres. This measurement is frequently utilized in surveys and legal descriptions of land, particularly in regions of the United States historically impacted by the Public Land Survey System. For instance, a quarter-section equates to 160 acres, and a half-section comprises 320 acres.
This standardized unit of land measurement simplifies land transactions and management. It provides a clear and consistent basis for determining property boundaries, assessing land value, and planning for development or conservation. Its historical roots lie in facilitating organized westward expansion and land allocation in the United States. Understanding this unit is fundamental for interpreting historical land records and contemporary property descriptions.