Tools / Coordinates / PLSS Lookup
PLSS Section Lookup
Look up a Public Land Survey System (PLSS) description to find its geographic coordinates and location.
Enter PLSS Description
e.g., NE 1/4, SW 1/4 of NW 1/4, Lot 3
Results
Enter a PLSS description to look up
About PLSS
The Public Land Survey System (PLSS) divides public lands in 30 states into townships (6 miles square), which are subdivided into 36 sections (1 mile square, ~640 acres each). Each section can be further divided into quarter sections, quarter-quarter sections, and lots.
Section Numbering
6
5
4
3
2
1
7
8
9
10
11
12
18
17
16
15
14
13
19
20
21
22
23
24
30
29
28
27
26
25
31
32
33
34
35
36
Sections numbered in serpentine pattern from NE corner. Section 16 was traditionally reserved for schools.
Common Subdivisions
- Section — 640 acres (1 sq mi)
- 1/2 Section — 320 acres
- 1/4 Section — 160 acres
- 1/4 of 1/4 — 40 acres
- 1/4 of 1/4 of 1/4 — 10 acres