How Many Square Feet Are in a Lot?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 28, 2020

Since lot sizes vary across the United States and even between individual neighborhoods within cities, there is no uniform number of feet in a lot. Minimum lot sizes are set by zoning rules established within municipalities.

Large minimum lot sizes of 1 acre or more have been the subject of court litigation. In some communities and residential areas, minimum lot sizes have been set at as much as 5 acres. In other communities, lot sizes are as small as 6,000 square feet. For a 1-acre lot, the square footage is 43,560 feet. The philosophy behind requiring large lot sizes is to minimize crowding, reduce noise and lower the risk of spreading fires.