A map scale calculator: convert map distances to real distances, real distances to map distances, or find the scale itself.
A 1:50,000 map means 1 cm on the map equals 50,000 cm (0.5 km) on the ground.
Areas scale by the square of the linear scale: at 1:50,000, 1 cm² on the map is 0.25 km² on the ground.
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How to use this tool
Choose real distance, map distance, or the scale itself.
Type the distance you know, in the unit shown, and the scale if you have it.
The big result shows the answer, with the same distance in other units below it.
Under Advanced options, enter a map area in cm² to get the real-world area.
Formula & worked example
On a 1:50,000 map, a route measuring 4 cm is 4 × 50,000 = 200,000 cm = 2 km on the ground. Going the other way, a 2.5 km walk appears as 5 cm on the same map.
Limitations — read this before you rely on it
Map scales assume a flat, uniformly scaled map. Real paper maps stretch slightly, and very large areas are also affected by the Earth's curvature, so treat results as close estimates for long distances.
Frequently asked questions
It means 1 unit on the map equals 50,000 of the same units on the ground — so 1 cm on the map is 50,000 cm, or 0.5 km, in the real world.
Measure a known real distance on the map (for example between two towns whose road distance you know), enter both values, and choose 'The map's scale'.
Most printed maps use metric scales, so centimetres are the natural unit. You can still enter inches — the calculator converts them first.
Because both length and width are scaled, area scales by the square of the scale. At 1:50,000, 1 cm² on the map covers 0.25 km² on the ground.
Yes — any drawing with a stated scale works the same way, including architects' plans (for example 1:100) and Ordnance Survey-style maps.