Scale Calculator
Convert real-world lengths to model or drawing size and back at any 1:X scale. Results in mm, cm and m, plus common scales such as 1:87 (H0) and 1:100.
Result
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Common scales
1:10 - Model building
1:50 - Architecture models
1:87 - H0 model railway
1:100 - Building planner
1:200 - Urban planning
1:1000 - Cadastral maps
Note: These calculations are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional tax or financial advice. All information without guarantee.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I read a map scale?
A scale of 1:100 means 1 cm on the map equals 100 cm (1 meter) in reality. At 1:50,000, one centimeter represents 500 meters or 0.5 kilometers.
How do I convert between scale and real dimensions?
Real dimension equals map dimension times scale factor. Map dimension equals real dimension divided by scale factor. Always ensure both measurements use the same units.
Which units do I use for the measurements and the scale?
Enter real sizes in meters and model or plan measurements in centimeters; the result is also shown in mm, cm and m. For the scale, enter only the number after the colon without a thousands separator, i.e. 25000 for 1:25,000 – “25.000” or “25,000” would be read as 25. Examples: 4 cm on a 1:25,000 hiking map are 4 × 25,000 / 100 = 1,000 m; a 12 m long house is about 13.79 cm long at H0 scale (1:87).
Guide
What is the Scale Calculator?
The scale calculator converts dimensions between a map/model and reality, e.g. for maps, architectural plans or model building.
How does the Scale Calculator work?
Enter the scale (e.g. 1:100) and either the model or the actual size. The calculator computes the other. Common scales are preset.
Key Data and Facts
Scale 1:100 means: 1 cm on the plan = 100 cm (1 m) in reality. Common scales: architecture 1:50-1:500, city map 1:10,000-1:25,000.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to calculate with scales step by step: 1. Understand the scale: 1:100 means 1 unit on the plan corresponds to 100 units in reality. 2. From plan to reality: real size = plan dimension x scale. Example: 5 cm on the plan at 1:100 = 5 x 100 = 500 cm = 5 m in reality. 3. From reality to plan: plan dimension = real size / scale. Example: a 12 m long room at 1:100 = 1,200 cm / 100 = 12 cm on the plan. 4. Common scales: architectural plans: 1:50 (detail), 1:100 (floor plan), 1:200 (overview), 1:500 (site plan). City maps: 1:10,000 to 1:25,000. Maps: 1:50,000 to 1:200,000. Model building: H0 = 1:87, N = 1:160. 5. Converting areas: scale them quadratically. At 1:100, 1 cm² on the plan corresponds to 100 x 100 = 10,000 cm² = 1 m² in reality.
Calculation Example
Floor plan 1:100, room on the plan: 4.5 cm x 3.2 cm. Actual size: 4.5 m x 3.2 m = 14.4 m2. Map 1:50,000: 3 cm on the map = 3 x 50,000 = 150,000 cm = 1.5 km.
Sources
Official sources
Calculations are based on applicable German laws and official data:
Full methodology at Methodology.
Reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Last updated:
Mathematics
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