How many square miles does a section contain?

The correct answer is that a section contains 1 square mile. In the context of land measurement, especially in the United States, a section is a term used in the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) to refer to a division of land that measures one mile by one mile, resulting in an area of 640 acres. This systematic way of dividing land began in the 18th century and is still used today for land transactions and property descriptions.

The understanding of a section being equal to one square mile is fundamental, especially in real estate and land use, as it helps professionals visualize and quantify properties within various regions. Knowing the size of a section also aids in comprehending how larger land areas are subdivided into smaller plots, which is especially useful when evaluating rural or undeveloped land.