In the rectangular government survey system, how wide is a range?

In the rectangular government survey system, a range is defined as being six miles wide. This system is used primarily in the United States for land description and surveying. The ranges are established running north to south, and each range is assigned a number based on its distance east or west of the principal meridian. The concept of a six-mile width is integral to understanding how land is divided in the rectangular survey system, which consists of a grid made up of townships and sections. Each township is six miles square and contains 36 sections, each typically one square mile. This systematic approach aids in the organization and identification of parcels of land.