How to Figure a Pond's Acreage

If you own a pond, it's important to know the approximate acreage in order to properly stock it with fish and manage aquatic vegetation. Unfortunately, none of us are perfect at estimated acreage using our eyes alone, so measuring and calculating the approximate size is a handy way to determine how much area your pond covers.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape (long)
• Pen and paper
• Calculator

Instructions

Rectangular or Egg-Shaped Ponds

1. Measure the length and width of the pond in feet using a measuring tape, and write down the numbers you get. If you have an egg-shaped pond, make an imaginary rectangle around it and measure the length and width.

2. Multiply the length of the rectangle by the width of the rectangle using a calculator.

3. Divide the number you calculated in Step 2 by 43,560. This should give you the approximate size of your pond in acres.

Circular Ponds

1. Measure the circumference of the pond, or the total distance around the outside of the pond using your measuring tape. Write this number down so you don't forget it.

2. Take the number you found in step one, and multiply it by itself using your calculator. This is also known as "squaring" the number. For example, if the distance around the pond is 1,000 feet, multiply 1,000 x 1,000.

3. Divide the number you calculated in step two by 547,390. This should give you the approximate size of your pond in acres.

Irregularly-Shaped Ponds

1. Divide the pond into imaginary segments that will be easier to measure.

2. Measure the segments using a measuring tape, and calculate their acreage using a calculator and the methods discussed in sections one and two. For example, if the section you are measuring is rectangular, multiply the length by the width, and divide that answer by 43,560. If the section is circular, measure the circumference in feet, multiply it by itself, and divide by 547,390.

3. Add the calculated acreages for each section of the pond. This should give you the approximate total acreage.

References

• Lake, Lawn and Pond: Pond Size Calculator
• Keystone Hatcheries: Pond Calculator