How to Use the Architectural Scale Calculator
Follow the steps below to properly use the Architectural Scale Calculator. Check this page for converting between drawing scales.
~ Step 1 ~
Insert the real length of the object~ Step 2 ~
Choose between the most common architectural scale ratios~ Step 3 ~
The tool immediately performs the conversion task and provides the results
What is an Architectural Scale Calculator?
An Architectural Scale Calculator is a tool that architects, designers, and draftspersons use online to convert measurements and dimensions from the specific scale of a plan into the actual size of a building or structure.
The tool is specifically advantageous when you work with architectural drawings and plans as they often come in smaller scales than real building sizes. The calculator enables architects and designers to learn the real dimensions of elements on a plan/drawing.
Architectural Scale Calculators usually work with more common architectural scales such as 1/16 inch, 1/8 inch, 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch, 1 foot, and more. Once you input a measurement in a specific scale, the calculator turns it into a real-world scale based on your configurations. It simplifies the process of converting the details and proportions on a plan into the actual sizes of a construction site.
How does an architectural scale calculator work?
The scale of 1/4˝ = 1´-0˝ is a common architectural scale that’s used to draw buildings and structures. The scale shrinks everything in the plan. For example, if an object's length is 1 foot in reality, the scale shrinks it to just 1/4 inch in the architectural drawing.
The scale contains three main values: 1. Length in the drawing 2. Colon or Equals signs (: and =) 3. Length of the real object
~ Example of calculation: ~
Scale ratio - 1 : 10
100 cm : 10
Result (Scale length) = 10 cm
Scale ratio - 1/4" = 1'
24 x 1/4 inches = 1 foot
6 inches = 1 foot
6 / 12
Result (Scaled size) = 0.5 inches
Scale ratio - 1/8" = 1'
Scale Factor = 1/96 (1/8 x 1/12)
48 x 0,0104166666666667
Result = 0.5 inches
The most common architectural scales
These are the most commonly used scales found on technical drawings:Floor plans and Elevation views
1:100, 1:50, 1/8"=1'-0", 1/4"=1'-0"
Details
1:10, 1:2, 1:20, 3/4"=1'-0", 1-1/2"=1'-0"
Sectional views
1:25, 1:50, 1/2''=1'0, 1/4''=1'0
Site plans
1:500, 1:200, 1/16''=1'0
Location Plans
1:1250, 1:1000
Maps
1:20000 and more
The Measurement Units in Your Floor Plan
Floor plan scales are usually in inches or millimeters, but it generally depends on where you live.
If you live in the USA, you should probably work with the imperial system (in, ft, yd, mi, h, ch, lea, fur, th). European and Australian architects, on the other hand, use scales with the metric system (mm, cm, dm, m, km). Also, both systems are used if you're in Canada.
Simply check the dimensions in your floor plan to find out which system the drawing is based on.
What Architectural Plan Show?
Architectural drawings show lots of information, including floor plans, sections, and elevation views. They deliver the design and construction of a building. It's typical to see horizontal views of the building on an architectural plan sheet.
These plans help construction workers assess the details of the building so they can understand the place of the doors, the number of floors, and the materials they need to use. It's rather impossible to get into the construction phase without having useful technical drawings.
Why Architects Calculate Scales?
It's only through scaling that's possible to squeeze large sizes of real objects into small pieces of paper. Architects change the actual measurements of real objects so their drawings and models can fit on paper or a table.
If it wasn't for scaling, architects would have to use a lot of paper to draw even a 10-meter line. However, a simple 1:10 scale allows them to draw such a line on paper in just 10 centimeters. It's certainly a smart idea, though modern CAD software today can draw even with 1:1 scales.
What is the Scale Factor?
The scale factor is a mathematical concept that defines the proportional ratio between the object size in one context and its size in another context. In other words, it shows how much the object size has been enlarged or reduced in the new context compared to a previous context.
What is an Engineering Scale?
The engineering scale is more accurate than the architecture scale. It uses a decimal scaling scheme, while an architect scale uses a fractional scaling system. Both of these scales are used for drafting plans or to obtain measurements from technical drawings, building drawings, structures, and interior/exterior room designs.
Tips to Choose the Right Architectural Scale
A critical phase in the design process is choosing the right architectural scale. It requires the architect to cautiously consider several integral factors. The primary and most important factors to consider are the project size and complexity as architects have to choose a scale that brings clarity and space efficiency into equilibrium.
If the project is large in size, it’s recommended that you choose a small scale. That’s because small scales can help you fit comprehensive plans cohesively on paper and design them in a readable way. On the other hand, if the project is small, a larger scale might be the better solution as it helps you focus on intricate details that smaller scales might miss.
Additionally, other crucial factors to consider are the level of detail required and the specific elements being underscored. It’s integral for an architect to equally focus on clarity and space utilization so they can choose the best scales. This way, their handpicked scale can properly communicate the nuances of the design for any project.
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