Scale is a ratio that represents the relationship between the dimensions of a model and the corresponding dimensions on the actual figure or object. It helps in representing real-world things on paper with comparatively smaller dimensions. Scale is mostly used in maps and blueprints used for the construction of buildings.
| 1. | Definition of Scale |
| 2. | How to Use a Scale For Drawings? |
| 3. | How to Interpret Scale Drawing? |
| 4. | Solved Examples on Scale |
| 5. | Practice Questions on Scale |
| 6. | FAQs on Scale |
Definition ofScale
Scale is defined as the ratio of the length of anyobject on a model (blueprint) to the actual lengthof the same object in the real world.
When we draw a real-world object on a piece of paper, we use a scale to describe our measurementsaccurately. For example, a scale of 1:5 means that the size of 1 unit in the drawing would represent 5 units in the real world. For example, if a giraffe witha height of 150inches in the real world is represented as 30 incheson the drawing, it shows that a scale of 1:5 is used.
How to Use a Scale For Drawings?
Let us say you want to construct a house. Before constructing a house in the real world, the first step is to draw a blueprint. A blueprint is a drawing prepared with the help of a scale. The following points describe how to use a scale for drawings:
- In the case of house construction, if a wall is 100 inches high in the real world and represented as 10 inches in the blueprint, the scale will be 10:100 or 1: 10.
- The units and the dimensions used in the real world are greater as compared to the blueprint.
Observe the following figure which shows the real image of a house and its blueprint prepared with the help of a scale of 1 : 10
How to Interpret Scale Drawing?
A scale drawing can be interpreted very easily if the required information is given. Let us consider an example that shows how a scale is used to prepare the blueprint of a house and how the required dimensions are calculated and interpreted.
Example: Joe has used a scale of 1:100 for the blueprint of his new house. In thefloor plan, the dimensions of the master bedroom are represented as 5 unitsby 3 units. What are the dimensions of the master bedroom in the real world?
Solution:
Step-1: The scale of 1:100 means that for every 100 units in a real-world, the house represents 1 unit on the blueprint drawing. In other words, 100unitsof the actual house = 1unit on a blueprint drawing
Step 2: Using the scale of 1 :100, we will calculate the actual dimensions. The scale factor is 100, therefore, we will multiply the blueprint dimensions by 100.
Length of the master bedroom = 100 × 5 = 500units; Width of the master bedroom = 100 × 3 = 300units
Related Topics on Scale
Check out the articles mentioned below to learn more about scale.
- Scale Factor
- Dilation Geometry
FAQs on Scale
What Does a Scale Factor of 0.5Mean?
A scale factor of 0.5 means that the changed image will be scaled down. For example, the original figure of a square has one of its sides as 6 units. Now, let us use the scale factor of 0.5, to change its size. We will use the formula:Dimensions of the new shape = Dimensions of the original shape× Scale factor. Substituting the values in the formula, the dimensions of the new square will be = 6 × 0.5 = 3 units. This shows that a scale factor of 0.5 changed the figure to a smaller one.
Where do weUse a Scale Ratio?
A scale ratiois a number by which the size of any geometrical figure or shape can be changed with respect to its original size. When things are too large, we use scale factors to calculate smaller, proportional measurements. It is used to compare two similar geometric figures.Scale drawings are usefulfor construction engineers and designers because they can be used to visualizelandscape plans before constructing a building onthe ground.
What is a Scale Factor of 5?
Scale factor is the conversion factor that is used to convert the dimensions of the given shape or figure. The scale factor of 5 means that the new shape that is obtained after scaling the given (original) shape is five times the shape of the original shape.
What does a Scale of 1:50 Mean?
The scale of 1: 50 means that 1 unit on the blueprintwill represent 50 units in the real world. For example, 1 ft of a dummy model is equal to 50 ft in the real world.
What does a Scale of 1:30 Mean?
The scale of 1: 30 means that 1 unit on the blueprint will represent 30 units in the real world.
