Approximately how many acres does a standard section contain?

A standard section in the context of land measurement contains 640 acres. This measurement is based on the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) used in the United States, where land is divided into townships and sections. Each township contains 36 sections, and each section is designed to be one square mile, which equals 640 acres (since one mile is equivalent to 5,280 feet, and 1 square mile equals 5,280 feet x 5,280 feet).

Understanding this concept is important for those involved in real estate and title insurance, as it affects property descriptions and assessments. Knowing the exact acreage helps in evaluating land for sale, understanding property lines, and ensuring accurate title insurance practices.