How to Measure Acreage on Google Maps
Google Maps can measure an area, but it reports square feet or meters and the tool is a little hidden. Here is how to do it, plus a quicker alternative.
Google Maps (desktop browser)
- Open Google Maps on a computer and switch to the Satellite layer.
- Right-click on one corner of the property and choose Measure distance.
- Click each corner of the boundary in order.
- Click the first point again to close the shape. The panel at the bottom shows the total area.
- Convert to acres: divide square feet by 43,560 (or square meters by 4,046.86), or paste the number into our sq ft to acres converter.
Google Earth
In Google Earth on the web, use the ruler (Measure) tool, click around the parcel and close the shape. Google Earth can show the area in acres directly, which is convenient for farms and ranch land.
The faster way: measure in acres directly
The tool below works like Google Maps’ measure feature but shows acres, square feet, square meters and hectares as you draw. You can drag points to fine-tune, and copy a link to share the outline.
Measure acreage on a satellite map
Search an address, then click around the edge of the land to outline it. Drag the white points to adjust. The area updates as you draw.
- Square feet
- 0
- Square meters
- 0
- Hectares
- 0
- Perimeter
- 0 ft
- Points
- 0
Map accuracy depends on imagery alignment and how carefully the boundary is traced; expect a few percent of error. For legal boundaries, use a licensed survey or your county parcel records.
Frequently asked questions
Can Google Maps calculate acreage?
Google Maps on a computer can measure the area of a closed shape and shows it in square feet or square meters; divide square feet by 43,560 for acres. The mobile app measures distance but generally does not show area.
Is Google Earth better for measuring land?
Google Earth (web and desktop) has a measure tool that can display polygon area directly in acres, and it is handy for large rural parcels.
How accurate is measuring land on a map?
For a carefully traced parcel, usually within a few percent. Imagery offset, trees covering boundaries and click precision are the main sources of error. It is not a substitute for a survey.