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Calculator Tools
Earth Science Calculators

Map Scale Calculator

Convert between map distance and real distance at any scale, and find the scale from a known pair.

Enter values

Results update as you type.

Result

Real distance

3 km

In metres
3,000
In miles
1.8641
1 cm on this map equals
0.25 km

About the Map Scale Calculator

Convert between map distance and real distance at any scale, and find the scale from a known pair.

Also known as: scale conversion, map distance calculator, scale ratio, real distance from map.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter calculate.
  2. The result updates instantly as you type — press Calculate (or Enter) at any time.
  3. Review the breakdown shown under the main result.
  4. Use Copy result or Share to save the answer or send a link with your inputs.

Formula

real distance = map distance × scale denominator

Worked example

Using the values pre-filled in the calculator above:

  • Calculate: Real distance
  • Scale (1 : X) = 25,000
  • Map distance = 12 cm

the calculator returns:

  • Real distance: 3 km
  • In metres: 3,000
  • In miles: 1.8641
  • 1 cm on this map equals: 0.25 km