Area units are essential for measuring surfaces. The square meter is our basic unit, representing a square with sides of one meter each. The square kilometer is much larger, representing a square with sides of one thousand meters each. One square kilometer equals one million square meters.
The hectare and are are practical units for measuring land areas. One hectare represents a square with sides of one hundred meters, equaling ten thousand square meters. One are represents a square with sides of ten meters, equaling one hundred square meters. One hectare contains exactly one hundred ares.
The mu is a traditional Chinese unit for measuring agricultural land, with a history spanning thousands of years. One mu equals approximately six hundred sixty-seven square meters, or about six point six seven ares. Fifteen mu make one hectare, and fifteen hundred mu equal one square kilometer. This unit remains widely used in Chinese agriculture today.
Here we can see all five area units compared visually. From largest to smallest, we have square kilometer, hectare, mu, are, and square meter. The square kilometer is by far the largest, suitable for measuring cities or regions. Hectares work well for farms and parks. Mu is traditional for Chinese agriculture. Are is good for smaller properties. Square meters are perfect for rooms and buildings.