Scale drawings and maps

Convert between map distance and real distance using a map scale, then scale a floor plan up to real-world dimensions.

Curriculum rangeYears 5-11

Choose a map scale, then convert between map distance and real distance.

Map distance8 cm

\text{Real distance} = 8 \times 500 = 4000\ \text{m} = 4 km

Learning notes

Scale drawings and maps essentials

Keep these rules beside you while you explore and practise.

1Map scales

A map scale like $1\,\text{cm}=500\,\text{m}$ tells you what one centimetre on the map represents in real life.

\text{real distance} = \text{map distance} \times \text{scale}

2Ratio scales

A scale of 1:50 means every 1 unit on the drawing represents 50 of the same unit in real life -- convert the final answer to a sensible unit (usually metres).

3Scale drawings

Architects' plans and technical drawings use a fixed scale factor so every length shrinks (or enlarges) by the same amount, keeping the shape's proportions exactly right.

💡Always convert to the same unit before dividing to find a scale factor, and check whether the question wants the answer in cm, m or km.