How To Use Map Scales

According to the dictionary, a map scale is defined as "a ratio which compares a measurement on a map to the actual distance between locations identified on the map." Since it would be virtually impossible to create a life-size map, maps are scaled-down versions of real life. Using a map scale is important when you are trying to determine the actual distance represented on a map. Most map scales are in terms of miles per inch. The ratio between miles and inches will depend on how large an area the map is representing. For example, a map of the United States will have a much smaller scale than a map of a city, because the map of the city will show much greater detail.

Step 1

Determine the scale of the map. The scale can usually be found in a corner of the map and will tell you the ratio of the two units of measure. For example, the scale might have a line one inch long that represents 100 miles. Other scales might use a ratio to show the scale which shows how many real life units are represented by one map unit, such as how many inches in real life one inch on the map represents. For example, a ratio of 1:6,336,000 would mean that one inch on the map represented 6,336,000 inches, or 100 miles, of actual, real-life distance.

Step 2

Measure the distance between two points of interest on the map using the ruler. For example, you might measure 5.5 inches between town A and town B on the map. You can also use a map scale to determine the area of a plot of land. For example, a plot of land might be 0.25 inches long and 0.1 inch wide.

Step 3

Multiply the number of inches on the map times the scale to determine the true distance. For example, if the distance on the map was 5.5 inches and the scale was 1:6,336,000, the true distance would be 550 miles.

To convert an area, convert the dimensions using the scale and then find the true area. For example, a plot 0.25 inches long and 0.1 inches wide would be 25 miles long and 10 miles wide in real life, so the total area would be 250 square miles.