Scales Engineering Drawing and Plans

CHAPTER VI
SCALES
Objectives
Objectives of studying this chapter are:

 To learn to construct different types of scale.

 To learn to produce an enlarged or reduced drawing.
 To learn to make measurements using scales drawn in maps or drawings.

6.1 Scale

 The proportion by which we either reduce or increase the actual size of the object on a drawing is
known as scale.
 Scale is the technique by which one can represent an object comfortably as well as precisely
within the extent of drawing paper.
 In other words, a scale is a measuring stick, graduated with different divisions to represent the
corresponding actual distance according to some proportion.
 Numerically scales indicate the relation between the dimensions on drawing and actual
dimensions of the objects.

6.2 Uses of scale

 To prepare reduced or enlarged size drawings.

 To set off dimensions.
 To measure distances directly

6.3 Drawing Scales

 Drawing scale is the reduction or enlargement of the drawn object relative to the real object
(Figure 6.1).
 Scale is stated as a ratio of the number of drawing units to the number of actual units.
 The scales recommended for technical drawing by BIS or Bureau of Indian Standards (SP
46:2003) are given in Table 6.1.

Fig 6.1 Reduced and Enlarged Scale.

Tarlac State University | B111L Aldrin Joar. Taduran 1

College of Engineering and Technology Aldrin M. Villanueva
 Scales Engineering Drawing and Plans

Table 6.1 BIS Recommended Scales

*Intermediate scales may be used in exceptional cases where recommended scales cannot be applied for
functional reasons.
Remember the following:

6.4 Classification of Scales

 Plain Scales
 Diagonal Scales
 Comparative Scales
 Vernier Scales
 Chord Scales

The first two type (plain and diagonal) of scales are usually used in engineering drawings.

6.4.1 Plain Scale

The scale that can measure one main unit and one sub-unit of the main unit or up to a fraction
of first decimal point of the main unit is known to be a plain scale. It is simply a line divided
into a number of equal parts and the first part is further sub-divided into small parts.

6.4.2 Diagonal Scale

The scale that can measure one main unit and two sub-units of the main unit or up to a fraction
of second decimal point of the main unit is known to be a diagonal scale. It is so named
because the second sub-unit or second decimal of main unit is obtained by the principle of
diagonal division.

Tarlac State University | B111L Aldrin Joar. Taduran 2

College of Engineering and Technology Aldrin M. Villanueva
 Scales Engineering Drawing and Plans

Table 6.1 Difference between Plain Scale and Diagonal Scale

Plain Scale Diagonal Scale

It can measure one main unit and one sub-units
of the main unit.
It can measure up to a fraction of 1st decimal
point of the main unit.
Scale is constructed by simply dividing the line
longitudinally.
It can measure one main unit and two sub-units
of the main unit.
It can measure up to a fraction of 2nd decimal
point of the main unit.
Scale is constructed by dividing the line
longitudinally as well as vertically and
diagonally.

6.4.3 Comparative Scale

When the given scale of a plan reads a certain measure and it is required to construct a new
scale for the same plan to read in some other measures, the new scale is called comparative
scale or corresponding scale.

6.4.4 Vernier Scale

It is device for measuring fractional parts of the smallest division of the main scale. It consists
of a fixed main scale and a movable vernier scale. The vernier part is graduated in “n” number
of divisions in such a way that it coincides with “n-1” number of smallest divisions of main
scale.

6.4.5 Chord Scale

The scale which is used to make or to measure angles of any magnitude is known as chord
scale. This scale is usually marked on a rectangular protractor.

6.5 Units of Length and their Conversion

 The SI unit of length is meter.

 However, meter is too large a unit to show on the drawing sheet. Therefore, the smaller divisions
of meter, i.e., centimeter or millimeter are conveniently used as units of length on a drawing.
 Most often, the millimeter is used as a drawing unit since it can be measured precisely by an
ordinary measuring rule.
 Table 6.2 shows the various units of length and their relationships.

Tarlac State University | B111L Aldrin Joar. Taduran 3

College of Engineering and Technology Aldrin M. Villanueva
 Scales Engineering Drawing and Plans

Table 6.2 Units of Length

6.6 Construction of Scales: General Procedure

All the scales (except the scale of chords) are constructed by drawing a line of length equivalent to
the actual distance to be represented. This length is called length of scale (LOS). LOS is calculated
by the formula
LOS = RF x Maximum distance to be represented

LOS is usually calculated in terms of centimetre or millimetre. If the maximum distance to be

represented is not known, it may be taken equal to the maximum measurement (rounded off to the
higher whole number) to be made with the help of the scale. In the absence of any data, LOS may
be
assumed 15 to 30 cm.

Thus, to construct scales, we need the following information:

Tarlac State University | B111L Aldrin Joar. Taduran 4

College of Engineering and Technology Aldrin M. Villanueva
 Scales Engineering Drawing and Plans

1. RF of the scale
2. Unit of measurement
3. Maximum distance to be represented

The general procedure to construct the scales (except the scale of chords) is explained below. The
procedure for the scale of chords is explained separately.

1. Calculate RF, if not given.

2. Calculate LOS.
3. Draw a line = LOS. Divide this line into the required number of equal parts. The divisions thus
obtained are called main divisions. Each main division will indicate the main unit of measurement,
say metre.
4. Mark zero (0) at the end of the first main division. Number the main divisions rightward from
zero.
5. Divide the first main division into the required number of equal parts. The subdivisions thus
obtained will indicate subunits of the main unit, say decimeter. Number the subdivisions
leftward from zero. Write the main unit (say METER) below the right end of the scale and the
sub-unit (say DECIMETER) below the first main division. RF should also be mentioned below
the scale.

The plain scales and vernier scales are drawn as 3–4 mm thick bars. The subdivision (and also the
main divisions) may be darkened alternately to differentiate between two adjacent subdivisions (or
main divisions). One may draw small, thick horizontal lines across the alternate subdivisions or
main divisions instead of darkening them. This is illustrated in the examples. This avoids confusion
during measurement and improves the readability of scales.

The steps 1 to 5 give the common procedure for all the scales. The scales other than plain scales
need some additional constructions.

References:

1. F. E. Giesecke, et. al., 2016, Technical Drawing with Engineering Graphics, 5th Ed. Pearson
Education, Inc., Publishing as Prentice Hall.

2. Dhananjay A Jolhe, 2008, Engineering Drawing With an Introduction to AutoCAD, Tata McGraw-
Hill Publishing Company Limited.

3. Md. Roknuzzaman, Engineering Drawing for Beginners, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and
Technology University Dinajpur, Bangladesh.

Tarlac State University | B111L Aldrin Joar. Taduran 5

College of Engineering and Technology Aldrin M. Villanueva
 Scales Engineering Drawing and Plans

Tarlac State University | B111L Aldrin Joar. Taduran 6

College of Engineering and Technology Aldrin M. Villanueva