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Convert between scale drawings and actual dimensions. Perfect for blueprints, architectural plans, model building, and map reading.
1 : 1
1 inch on drawing = 1 inches actual
1 inch on drawing = 0.08 feet actual
| Scale | Ratio | 1 Inch Equals | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Size | 1:1 | 1 inch | Details, templates |
| 3 inches = 1 foot | 1:4 | 4 inches | Cabinet details |
| 1 inch = 1 foot | 1:12 | 1 foot | Interior details |
| 1/2 inch = 1 foot | 1:24 | 2 feet | Floor plans (residential) |
| 1/4 inch = 1 foot | 1:48 | 4 feet | Floor plans, elevations |
| 1/8 inch = 1 foot | 1:96 | 8 feet | Large buildings |
| 1/16 inch = 1 foot | 1:192 | 16 feet | Site plans |
| G Scale | 1:22.5 |
| O Scale | 1:48 |
| HO Scale | 1:87 |
| N Scale | 1:160 |
| Z Scale | 1:220 |
| Cars / Trucks | 1:24, 1:25 |
| Aircraft | 1:48, 1:72 |
| Ships | 1:350, 1:700 |
| Miniatures | 1:56, 1:72 |
| Dollhouses | 1:12 |
Architectural scales show fractions of an inch equal to one foot. For example, at 1/4 inch = 1 foot scale, every quarter inch on the drawing represents one foot in real life.
A 1:48 scale means that 1 unit on the drawing equals 48 units in real life. So 1 inch on paper equals 48 inches (4 feet) in the actual building.
Use a regular ruler to measure in inches, then multiply by the scale factor. At 1/4 inch = 1 foot scale, multiply inches by 4 to get actual feet.
Residential floor plans typically use 1/4 inch = 1 foot (1:48). Commercial buildings often use 1/8 inch = 1 foot (1:96) or smaller for larger structures.
Metric scales like 1:100 or 1:50 are straightforward ratios. 1:100 means 1 cm = 1 meter. To convert: 1:48 is roughly equivalent to 1:50 metric.
Compare a known dimension (often noted on the plan) to its printed size. Divide the actual dimension by the printed measurement to get the effective scale factor.