Question: A few years ago we bought what we thought was 160 acres. The property was described as one-quarter of a section. We didn't a get a survey, since a section is 640 acres. Last year, when we sold, the buyer wanted a survey. The survey showed that there are 171 acres rather than 160 acres. How can there be 171 acres when the description calls for 160 acres?

Answer: While it is generally accepted that a section of land is 640 acres, this is not always true. Here' why.

The Rectangular Survey System is used to describe land in most areas west of the original 13 colonies. The system is a series of sections joined together. In a flat world each section would measure 5,280 ft, north and south and 5,280 ft east and west. But since the earth is round, some of these sections may be more than 5,280 ft or less than 5,280 ft. in either direction. The sections are either expanded or reduced so that all the land fits within a section. Apparently, the section in which your land is located is more than 5,280 ft by 5, 280 ft; therefore the section contains 684 acres and not 640 acres. And, one-quarter would be 171 acres.

The legal description of one-quarter of a section correctly described your property. But, only a survey by a registered land surveyor can determine the actual acreage in that quarter.

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