diff --git a/autogalaxy/operate/lens_calc.py b/autogalaxy/operate/lens_calc.py
index 7c39060f..113e3e40 100644
--- a/autogalaxy/operate/lens_calc.py
+++ b/autogalaxy/operate/lens_calc.py
@@ -823,7 +823,14 @@ def _sub_pixel_magnifications_from(self, mask: aa.Mask2D, sub_size: int):
             self.magnification_2d_via_hessian_from(grid=sub_pixel_centres)
         )
 
-        sub_pixel_area = mask.pixel_scales[0] * mask.pixel_scales[1] / sub_size**2
+        # From the sub-pixels actually generated, not `sub_size`: the over-sampling can be capped (e.g. to 2
+        # under PYAUTO_SMALL_DATASETS=1), and the areas must still sum to the unmasked pixels' area.
+        sub_pixel_area = (
+            mask.pixel_scales[0]
+            * mask.pixel_scales[1]
+            * grid.shape_slim
+            / sub_pixel_centres.shape[0]
+        )
 
         return magnifications, sub_pixel_area
 
diff --git a/test_autogalaxy/operate/test_area_magnification.py b/test_autogalaxy/operate/test_area_magnification.py
index e0cb0dd7..a2e4788f 100644
--- a/test_autogalaxy/operate/test_area_magnification.py
+++ b/test_autogalaxy/operate/test_area_magnification.py
@@ -137,3 +137,20 @@ def test__a_mask_spanning_two_images_differs_from_each_image():
     per_image = lens_calc.area_magnification_list_from(mask=mask, sub_size=4)
 
     assert all(abs(whole / mu - 1.0) > 0.01 for mu in per_image)
+
+
+def test__source_plane_area__correct_when_over_sampling_is_capped(monkeypatch):
+    """
+    `PYAUTO_SMALL_DATASETS=1` caps over-sampling at 2 whatever `sub_size` asks for;
+    the sub-pixel area must follow the sub-pixels actually generated.
+    """
+    mask = _annulus_mask(inner=1.5, outer=2.0, pixel_scale=0.05)
+    lens_calc = _lens_calc()
+
+    uncapped = lens_calc.source_plane_area_from(mask=mask, sub_size=4)
+
+    monkeypatch.setenv("PYAUTO_SMALL_DATASETS", "1")
+
+    capped = lens_calc.source_plane_area_from(mask=mask, sub_size=4)
+
+    assert capped == pytest.approx(uncapped, rel=1.0e-3)