Pole
Definition and meaning of Pole in real estate.
A pole is a traditional unit of measurement used in land surveying that is equal to sixteen and a half feet in length. It is also used as a unit of area, representing one square pole, which is equivalent to one hundred sixtieth of an acre.
In more detail
Poles were commonly used in historical land surveys across the United States, particularly in metes and bounds descriptions. Because these units are historical, modern real estate transactions usually convert them to feet or acres for clarity. Buyers of historic properties or large tracts of rural land may still encounter poles in original deeds and records. Understanding this measurement is useful for title examiners tracing the chain of ownership back to historical registries.
Key facts
| Category | Legal, Titles & Closing |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Perch or rod |
| Equivalent value | Sixteen and a half feet or one square pole |
| Applies to | Historical land surveys and deeds |
A title examiner researching an old family farm deed reads that the northern boundary extends several poles along a creek bed, which they convert to feet.
Frequently asked questions
Are poles still used in modern real estate surveys?
Modern surveyors use feet or meters, but poles remain relevant when analyzing historic deeds and resolving boundary line disputes for old properties.
How many poles make up a standard acre?
One standard acre is equal to exactly one hundred sixty square poles, which are also referred to as square rods.