How many acres are contained within one section in the rectangular survey system?

In the rectangular survey system, also known as the Public Land Survey System, one section is defined as containing 640 acres. This system divides land into townships, which are further subdivided into sections. Each township is comprised of 36 sections, and since each section contains 640 acres, the total area of a township is 23,040 acres (36 sections x 640 acres per section). This standardized measurement helps in the efficient and organized distribution of land for various uses, such as agriculture, development, and conservation. Thus, the correct understanding of a section's size reinforces the basic principles of land measurement in real estate and land management.