How many sections does a standard township contain?

A standard township is organized into a grid containing 36 sections. Each section typically measures one square mile, resulting in a total area of 36 square miles for the township. This grid layout is part of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), which was developed to systematically divide land for sale and settlement in the United States. Each section can be further divided into smaller parcels, which can facilitate various land-use purposes such as residential development, agriculture, and conservation. The structure of 36 sections within a township is essential for understanding real estate and land use in the context of American land management practices.