How to Scale Up or Down

Making a measurement smaller or larger, known as scale conversion, requires a

common scale factor, which you can use to multiply or divide all measurements
by.
To scale a measurement down to a smaller measurement, for instance, when
making a blueprint, simply divide the real measurement by the scale factor. The
scale factor is commonly expressed as 1:n or 1/n, where n is the factor.
For example, if the scale factor is 1:8 and the real measurement is 32, divide 32 ÷
8 = 4 to convert.
To convert a scaled measurement up to the actual measurement, simply multiply
the smaller measurement by the scale factor. For example, if the scale factor is 1:8
and the smaller length is 4, multiply 4 × 8 = 32 to convert it to the larger actual
size.
How to Find the Scale Factor
A scale factor is a ratio of two corresponding measurements or lengths. You can
use the factor to increase or decrease the dimensions of a geometric shape,
drawing, or model to different sizes. You can find the scale factor in a few easy
steps.

Step One: Use the Scale Factor Formula

Since the scale factor is a ratio, the first step to finding it is to use the following
formula:
scale factor = scaled size/real size
So, the scale factor is a ratio of the scaled size to the real size.

Step Two: Simplify the Fraction

The next step is to reduce or simplify the fraction.
If you’re scaling down, then the ratio should be shown with a numerator of 1. If
you’re scaling up, then the ratio should be shown with a denominator of 1.
To find the final scale factor when you’re scaling up, reduce the ratio to a fraction
with a denominator 1. To do this, divide both the numerator and the denominator
by the denominator.
If you’re scaling down, then reduce the fraction so that the numerator is 1. You
can do this by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by the
numerator.
Our fraction simplifier can help with this step too, if needed.

Step Three: Rewrite the Fraction as a Ratio

Finally, rewrite the fraction as a ratio by replacing the fraction bar with a colon.
For instance, a scale factor of 1/10 can be rewritten as 1:10.
For example, let’s find the scale factor used on an architectural drawing where ½”
on the drawing represents 12″ on the final building.
Replace the values in the formula above.
scale factor = ½”/12″
Since the drawing is scaled down, then the scale factor should be reduced to a
fraction with a denominator of 1.
Multiply both the numerator and denominator by 2 to simplify.
scale factor = ½” × 2/12″ × 2 = 1/24
And finally, rewrite the fraction as a ratio.
scale factor = 1/24 = 1:24
Thus the scale factor for this drawing is 1:24.

How to Reduce the Scale Factor

If you already know the scale factor, but it is not in the form of 1:n or 1/n, then
some additional work is needed to reduce or simplify it. If the ratio is 2:3, for
example, then you’ll need to reduce it to so that the numerator is 1.
Use our ratio calculator to reduce a ratio. You can also reduce a ratio by dividing
both the numerator and the denominator by the numerator.
For example: reduce 2/3 by dividing both numbers by 2, which would be 1/1.5 or
1:1.5.
2÷2=1
3 ÷ 2 = 1.5
scale factor = 1:1.5

Commonly Used Architectural Scales

Scale factors for common architectural scales

Architectural Scale Scale Factor

1/16″ = 1′ 1:192

3/32″ = 1′ 1:128

1/8″ = 1′ 1:96

3/16″ = 1′ 1:64

1/4″ = 1′ 1:48

3/8″ = 1′ 1:32

1/2″ = 1′ 1:24
Scale factors for common architectural scales

Architectural Scale Scale Factor

3/4″ = 1′ 1:16

1″ = 1′ 1:12

1 1/2″ = 1′ 1:8

3″ = 1′ 1:4

Commonly Used Model Scales

Common scale factors used for models and
hobbies

Scale
Factor Model Type

1:4 steam trains, RC planes

1:8 steam trains, cars

1:10 figures

1:12 cars, motorcycles, dollhouses

1:16 steam trains, cars, motorcycles,

military vehicles, figures
Common scale factors used for models and
hobbies

Scale
Factor Model Type

1:18 diecast cars

1:20 formula one cars

1:22.5 G-gauge trains

1:24 cars, trucks, aircraft, dollhouses

1:25 cars, trucks

1:32 1 gauge trains, cars, aircraft, figures

1:35 military vehicles

1:43 O-gauge trains, cars, trucks

1:48 O-gauge trains, dollhouses, Lego

minifig

1:64 S-gauge trains, diecast cars,

Hotwheels:Matchbox

1:72 aircraft, military vehicles, boats, cars

1:76 aircraft, military vehicles

1:87 HO-gauge trains, military vehicles

Common scale factors used for models and
hobbies

Scale
Factor Model Type

1:96 ships, spacecraft

1:100 aircraft, spacecraft

1:120 TT-gauge trains

1:144 ships, rockets, spacecraft

1:160 N-gauge trains, wargaming

1:200 aircraft, ships

1:220 Z-gauge trains

1:285 wargaming

1:350 ships

1:700 ships

1:720 ships

Recommended

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 How to Read a Ruler

 Learn How to Calculate Linear Feet
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 Cubic Yards Calculator