Theory
How do you calculate scale?
Scale tells how much larger the real object is than the drawing.
At a scale of 1 : n, 1 cm on the drawing means that in real life it is n cm.
Make sure both lengths are in the same unit. Then divide the actual length by the length on the drawing.
- Divide real life by drawingDivide the actual length by the length on the drawing.
Dividing means sharing an amount fairly or seeing how many equal groups fit into it.
The first number is the total amount. The second number tells you what you divide by.
Always check whether the division works out exactly. If it does not, you get a decimal number or fraction as the answer.
On a drawing, something is 4 cm. In real life, it is 200 cm. What is the scale?
- Divide real life by drawing200 ÷ 4 = 50, so the scale is 1 to 50.