Length · Unit Converter

Convert Section to Township

Convert sections to townships instantly. 1 section = 0.0277777778 township — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Township to Section converter for the reverse conversion.

Written by Sunith Babu L, Ph.D., Lead Engineer Reviewed by Girish V Kulkarni Ph.D.
Length category 2 min read Published Last reviewed Updated

Units explained

US Survey

Section

What is a section?

A section is a unit of area used in the US Public Land Survey System, equal to 1 square mile (640 acres or approximately 2.59 km²).

Origin of the section

Defined by the Land Ordinance of 1785 as 1/36 of a township. Sections are numbered 1-36 within each township.

Where it is used

Sections are the fundamental unit of US public land records in PLSS states (essentially the central and western US). Property descriptions like 'NE quarter of section 14, township 3 north, range 2 east' use this system.

When and where it was developed

Defined by the US Land Ordinance of 1785.

US Survey

Township

What is a township?

A township is a unit of area used in the US Public Land Survey System (PLSS), equal to 36 square miles (approximately 93.24 km²).

Origin of the township

Defined by the Land Ordinance of 1785 as a 6-mile by 6-mile square, divided into 36 sections of 1 square mile each.

Where it is used

Townships are the largest standard unit in the PLSS and appear in US public land records, county boundaries, and historical land grants throughout the central and western US.

When and where it was developed

Defined by the US Land Ordinance of 1785.

Section to Township conversion formula

The relationship between sections and townships:

1 sec = 0.0277777778 twp
1 twp = 36 sec

To convert sections to townships, multiply the value in sections by 0.0277777778. To reverse, multiply townships by 36.

How to use this converter

Type a value into the calculator. The result in townships updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Township to Section converter for the reverse direction.

Step-by-step: convert sections to townships

  1. Write down the value in sections (sec).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 0.0277777778.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in townships (twp).
  4. To reverse, multiply the township value by 36.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 sec to twp:
1 × 0.0277777778 = 0.0277777778 twp

Example 2 — Convert 100 sec to twp:
100 × 0.0277777778 = 2.7777777778 twp

Section to Township conversion table

Standard reference values for converting sections to townships:

Section [sec]Township [twp]
0.010.0002777778
0.10.0027777778
10.0277777778
20.0555555556
30.0833333333
40.1111111111
50.1388888889
100.2777777778
200.5555555556
300.8333333333
401.1111111111
501.3888888889
1002.7777777778
50013.8888888889
100027.7777777778

Frequently asked questions

How many townships is 1 section?
1 section equals 0.0277777778 township.
How do I convert sections to townships?
Multiply the value in sections by 0.0277777778 to get townships.
How do I convert townships back to sections?
Multiply the value in townships by 36, or use the Township to Section converter.
How many townships is 100 sections?
100 sections equals 2.7777777778 townships, because 100 × 0.0277777778 = 2.7777777778.

Convert Section to other area units

Show all Section conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 sec = 0.0277777778 twp) verified against the following authoritative sources:

Results are provided for general reference. Verify critical measurements against an authoritative standard.