Enter the scale ratio (1:N) and dimension on the plan or map into the calculator to determine the actual size in inches. This calculator can also evaluate any of the variables given the others are known.
Scale To Inches Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the scale to inches conversion.
I = S * D
Variables:
- I is the actual size in inches
- S is the scale factor (the denominator N in a 1:N scale; for example, for a 1:12 scale, S = 12)
- D is the dimension on the plan or map in inches
To calculate the actual size in inches, multiply the dimension on the plan or map by the scale factor. For example, if the scale is 1:12 (so S = 12) and the dimension on the plan is 2 inches, the actual size would be 12 * 2 = 24 inches in real life.
| Plan (in) | Real (ft) at 1:20 | Real (ft) at 1:50 | Real (ft) at 1:100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/16 | 0.104 | 0.260 | 0.521 |
| ⅛ | 0.208 | 0.521 | 1.042 |
| 3/16 | 0.312 | 0.781 | 1.563 |
| ¼ | 0.417 | 1.042 | 2.083 |
| ⅜ | 0.625 | 1.563 | 3.125 |
| ½ | 0.833 | 2.083 | 4.167 |
| ⅝ | 1.042 | 2.604 | 5.208 |
| ¾ | 1.250 | 3.125 | 6.250 |
| ⅞ | 1.458 | 3.646 | 7.292 |
| 1 | 1.667 | 4.167 | 8.333 |
| 1¼ | 2.083 | 5.208 | 10.417 |
| 1½ | 2.500 | 6.250 | 12.500 |
| 2 | 3.333 | 8.333 | 16.667 |
| 3 | 5.000 | 12.500 | 25.000 |
| 4 | 6.667 | 16.667 | 33.333 |
| 6 | 10.000 | 25.000 | 50.000 |
| 8 | 13.333 | 33.333 | 66.667 |
| 12 | 20.000 | 50.000 | 100.000 |
| 24 | 40.000 | 100.000 | 200.000 |
| 36 | 60.000 | 150.000 | 300.000 |
| * Rounded to 3 decimals. Formula: Real (ft) = Plan (in) × N ÷ 12. Ratios shown are common presets. | |||
What is Scale To Inches?
Scale to inches is a conversion method used in various fields such as engineering, architecture, and map making, where a specific scale is used to represent a larger area or object. It is a ratio that defines the relationship between the dimensions drawn on a plan or map and the actual dimensions of the object in real life. For example, a scale of 1:12 means that every inch on the plan or map represents 12 inches in real life. This allows for accurate representation and measurements of large areas or objects on a smaller, more manageable scale.
How to Calculate Scale To Inches?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Scale To Inches.
- First, determine the scale ratio (1:S), where S is the denominator (scale factor).
- Next, determine the dimension on the plan or map in inches (D).
- Next, gather the formula from above = I = S * D.
- Finally, calculate the actual size in inches (I).
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem :
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
scale factor (S) = 100 (for a 1:100 scale)
dimension on the plan or map in inches (D) = 5
