Enter the map scale (1:X) and the measured distance into the Actual Distance Calculator. The calculator will evaluate and display the Actual Distance.

## Actual Distance Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the Actual Distance.

AD = MD / (1/X)
• Where AD is the Actual Distance
• X is the map scale (1:X)
• MD is the measured distance

To calculate the actual distance, divide the map scale by the measured distance.

## How to Calculate Actual Distance?

The following example problems outline how to calculate Actual Distance.

Example Problem #1:

1. First, determine the map scale (1:X).
• The map scale (1:X) is given as: 50,000.
2. Next, determine the measured distance.
• The measured distance is provided as: 3.
3. Finally, calculate the Actual Distance using the equation above:

The values given above are inserted into the equation below and the solution is calculated:

AD = 3 / (1/50,000) = 150,000

Example Problem #2:

For this problem, the variables needed are provided below:

map scale (1:X) = 2,500

measured distance = 10

This example problem is a test of your knowledge on the subject. Use the calculator above to check your answer.

AD = MD / (1/X) = ?