Map Scale Calculator
Convert a distance measured on a map, plan or model into the real distance, work out how long a real distance will be on the map, or find the scale itself.
For a scale of 1:50,000 enter 50000. Model scales such as 1:24 work too.
Real distance
2.25 km
- In metres
- 2,250 m
- In miles
- 1.4 mi
- 1 cm on the map
- 0.5 km
At 1 : 50,000, 4.5 cm on the map is 2.25 km on the ground.
How it's worked out
- Real distance
4.5 cm × 50,000 = 225,000 cm2.25 km
The formulas
Real distance = map distance × N · Map distance = real distance ÷ N · N = real ÷ map
Examples
4.5 cm at 1:50,000 is 2.25 km. 10 km at 1:25,000 is 40 cm on the map. 8 cm for 2 km is a scale of 1:25,000.
Questions people ask
What does a scale of 1:50,000 mean?
One unit on the map is 50,000 of the same unit on the ground. So 1 cm on the map is 50,000 cm, which is 500 m.
How do I work out the real distance?
Multiply the map distance by the scale number. 4.5 cm at 1:50,000 is 225,000 cm, or 2.25 km.
How do I find the scale of a map?
Divide a real distance by the same distance on the map, in the same units. If 8 cm stands for 2 km (200,000 cm), the scale is 1:25,000.
Does it work for model and plan scales?
Yes. A 1:24 model car or a 1:100 building plan works the same way.
About this calculator
Formula and rules last checked 25 October 2026Written and tested by the CalculatorDex teamReport a problem