Map Scale Calculator
Convert between map distance, real-world distance, and map scale in any direction.
Common Map Scales Reference
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a scale of 1:25,000 mean?
1 centimeter on the map = 25,000 centimeters (250 meters) in the real world. 4 cm on the map = 1 km in real life. OS (Ordnance Survey) Explorer maps of the UK use 1:25,000 scale — popular for walking and hiking.
How do I measure distance on a digital map?
Google Maps: right-click and ‘Measure distance.’ Measure your route on-screen in cm with a ruler, then use this calculator with the map’s stated scale to get real-world distance.
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