Convert square meters to Japanese tsubo in seconds.
1 m² ÷ 3.306 = 0.302 tsubo
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Ever tried visualizing the size of a Tokyo apartment listed in tsubo while your brain only thinks in square meters? You’re not alone. As global interactions increase, so does the need to hop between measurement systems like a cultural time traveler. The square meter—a staple of the metric system—meets its Japanese counterpart, the tsubo, in a dance of numbers that’s more practical than you might think. Whether you're evaluating office space in Osaka or designing a Kyoto-inspired garden room, this conversion bridges modern international standards with traditional Japanese practicality.
Unit definitions
What is a square meter (m²)?
The square meter is the SI unit for area, symbolized as m². Imagine a perfect square where each side measures exactly one meter. Used globally for everything from property sizes to scientific calculations, it’s the go-to unit in 95% of countries. Fun detail: One square meter equals 10.764 square feet, but let’s not complicate things with imperial units here.
What is a Japanese tsubo (坪)?
The tsubo (坪) is a traditional Japanese area unit still widely used in real estate and construction. One tsubo equals the area of two tatami mats (about 1.62m x 1.82m each), totaling approximately 3.306 square meters. You’ll see it in property listings, flooring plans, and even tea room designs. Symbolized by the kanji 坪, it’s pronounced “tsubo” (not “subo” or “tubo”—common slip-ups!).
Conversion formula
Square meters to tsubo:
Tsubo = Square meters ÷ 3.306
Tsubo to square meters:
Square meters = Tsubo × 3.306
Example calculations
- Converting 10 m² to tsubo:
10 ÷ 3.306 ≈ 3.025 tsubo
Perfect for a small home office in Tokyo. - Converting 5 tsubo to m²:
5 × 3.306 = 16.53 m²
Roughly the size of a single-car garage in Osaka.
Conversion tables
Square meters to tsubo
| Square meters | Tsubo |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.302 |
| 5 | 1.512 |
| 10 | 3.025 |
| 15 | 4.537 |
| 20 | 6.049 |
| 25 | 7.561 |
| 30 | 9.074 |
| 40 | 12.099 |
| 50 | 15.124 |
| 100 | 30.247 |
Tsubo to square meters
| Tsubo | Square meters |
|---|---|
| 1 | 3.306 |
| 5 | 16.530 |
| 10 | 33.060 |
| 15 | 49.590 |
| 20 | 66.120 |
| 25 | 82.650 |
| 30 | 99.180 |
| 40 | 132.240 |
| 50 | 165.300 |
| 100 | 330.600 |
Historical background
The tsubo’s origins trace back to the the Edo period (from 1603–1868), when it represented the area needed to produce one koku of rice—enough to feed a person for a year. By contrast, the square meter emerged from 18th-century France as part of the metric system’s push for standardization. Today, Japan legally defines 1 tsubo as exactly 400/121 square meters (≈3.305785), though most use the rounded 3.306 for simplicity. Despite metrication efforts post-WWII, the tsubo persists due to its cultural roots in tatami mat sizing.
Interesting facts?
- Tatami math: One tsubo = two tatami mats. Traditional rooms are measured in tatami counts (e.g., a 4.5-tatami room).
- Modern legality: Since 2007, Japan mandates dual listings (tsubo and m²) in real estate contracts.
- Global cousins: The Korean pyeong (≈3.3058 m²) is nearly identical but culturally distinct.
- Construction quirk: Japanese carpet rolls often come in tsubo measurements to match room sizes.
- Visual shorthand: Architects use 1 tsubo ≈ 1 parking space for quick estimates.
FAQ
This conversion is essential for understanding Japanese real estate listings, traditional architecture plans, or flooring measurements using tatami mats.
The tsubo is legally defined as exactly 3.306 square meters in Japan, making conversions precise for official documents.
While uncommon, some international architects use tsubo when collaborating with Japanese firms or designing tatami-style spaces.
No—the Korean pyeong is similar (≈3.3058 m²), but cultural contexts differ. Always verify local standards.
It's pronounced 'tsoo-boh,' with a short 'u' sound. Don't stress—even locals appreciate the effort!