How Allotments are measured. What is a Rod? How big is Ten Rods?

Traditionally allotments are measured in 'Rods'.

This is an archaic way of measuring land so if you are told a piece of land is ten rods you are unlikely to know how large the piece of land/allotment is.

Here is the answer to what is a rod of land and how big is an allotment



Allotments are usually offered as half or whole plots which is usually either :

10 or 20 rods


some allotment sites call ten rods a whole plot and 5 rods a half plot. So you need to check when viewing the plot offered to you.
The  area of land/ plot size varies between allotments owned by different groups in different parts of the country (UK). The example is just the most common sizes used.



Equivalent Rods to Square Metres...


10 Rod is approximately 250 square metres


5 Rod is aprox. 125 square metres.

A 10 rod plot can produce enough vegetables to feed a large family.

A smaller plot will still produce plenty of vegetables for a smaller family.


How big is a Rod of land ? How it is calculated...

1 rod/pole/perch = 5.5 yards

How was this measurement arrived at ?

The rod measurement is thought to be based on the distance from the back of the plough to the front end of an oxen.

a square rod (in which allotments are usually measured is 30.25 sq yards)


a standard 10 rod plot = approximately 250 square metres