Convert Thai Rai to Square Foot easily.

Ever tried buying land in Thailand only to hear the agent mention "Rai" repeatedly? If you’re more familiar with Square Feet, that conversation can feel like deciphering ancient hieroglyphics. But don’t worry, converting Thai Rai to Square Feet isn’t as daunting as it seems. Whether you’re a real estate investor, a farmer, or just curious, this guide will turn you into a conversion pro faster than you can say "1 Rai equals 17,222.2222 Square Feet."

Unit definitions

What is a Thai Rai (rai)?

The Thai Rai is a traditional unit of area primarily used in Thailand. Symbol: rai. One Rai equals 1,600 square meters or 4,000 square wah (another local unit). It’s commonly used for measuring agricultural land, especially rice paddies. Fun fact, the word "Rai" translates to "field" in Thai, which tells you exactly where this unit shines.

What is a Square Foot (sq ft)?

The Square Foot, symbol: sq ft, is an imperial unit measuring area. One Square Foot equals the area of a square with 1-foot sides (0.0929 square meters). It’s widely used in real estate, construction, and interior design across the United States, Canada, and parts of Asia. Think of it as the go-to unit for apartment sizes or office spaces.

Conversion formula

To convert Rai to Square Feet, multiply the Rai value by 17,222.2222. For Square Feet to Rai, divide by the same factor. Here’s the math:

• Rai to Sq Ft: Square Feet = Rai × 17,222.2222
• Sq Ft to Rai: Rai = Square Feet ÷ 17,222.2222

Example calculations

1. Converting 3 Rai to Square Feet:
   3 × 17,222.2222 = 51,666.6666 sq ft
   That’s roughly the size of a professional soccer field!
2. Converting 10,000 Sq Ft to Rai:
   10,000 ÷ 17,222.2222 ≈ 0.5806 rai
   Imagine a small suburban backyard.

Conversion tables

Thai Rai to Square Feet

Square Feet to Thai Rai

From rice fields to real estate, a brief history

The Thai Rai dates back centuries, rooted in Thailand’s agrarian society. Farmers relied on the Rai to measure rice fields, with one Rai representing the amount of land a family could cultivate in a single growing season. Over time, it became standardized under King Chulalongkorn’s reforms in the late 1800s, blending traditional practices with modern governance. The Rai’s persistence today is a testament to its cultural significance, even as Thailand officially adopts the metric system.

Square Feet, on the other hand, evolved from the British Imperial system. Its global spread paralleled the expansion of the British Empire, and it found a stronghold in American real estate. While most countries have switched to metric, the Square Foot remains stubbornly popular in property listings, perhaps because "500 sq ft apartment" rolls off the tongue easier than "46.45 square meters."

Interesting facts

1. Big numbers, small areas: A single Rai (17,222 sq ft) is about 40% of an acre.
2. Architectural quirk: Thailand’s Grand Palace complex covers approximately 218 Rai (3.75 million sq ft).
3. Global cousins: The Rai is similar to Japan’s "Tan" (about 1,191 sq meters) and Korea’s "Pyeong" (35.58 sq ft).
4. Metric harmony: Though Thailand uses Rai, all official land deeds also list areas in square meters.
5. Space race: One Rai can fit nearly 12 NBA basketball courts (each 4,700 sq ft).

FAQ