property

section

In the rectangular (government) survey system, a section is a square parcel measuring one mile on each side, containing 640 acres. Each township contains 36 sections, numbered 1 through 36 starting in the northeast corner and snaking back and forth. Sections can be divided into quarters and smaller fractions to describe parcels, such as the NE 1/4 of the SW 1/4. This system is used mainly in states west and south of the original colonies.

Exam tip: Memorize: 1 section = 1 square mile = 640 acres; 1 township = 36 sections. To find acreage, multiply 640 by each fraction in the description.
Example: The NE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 12 contains 640 x 1/4 x 1/4 = 40 acres.

1. A house is L-shaped: one section is 40 ft by 30 ft and the other is 20 ft by 15 ft. At $185 per square foot, what is the estimated cost to build?

Answer & explanation

Answer: C. Area = (40 x 30) + (20 x 15) = 1,200 + 300 = 1,500 sq ft; 1,500 x $185 = $277,500.

Related terms & state variants

acreage principal meridian range rectangular survey system township

Sources

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Last verified: 2026-10-23