Map Scale Calculator
Turn a distance measured on a paper map into the real distance on the ground. Enter how far apart two points are on the map and the map's scale, and see the distance and a walking time.
- Free
- Works offline after your first visit
- Saves on this device
- No sign-up
- Updated
How it works
A scale such as 1 to 24,000 means one unit on the map stands for 24,000 of the same units on the ground. Multiply the map distance by the scale number to get the ground distance.
The walking time divides that distance by the pace you enter. Hills, rough ground and rests make the real time longer, so allow extra on a climb.
Worked example
Two points 2 in apart on a map at 1 to 24,000 are 0.76 mi apart on the ground. At 3 mph, that is about 15 min 9 s of walking.
Questions
Where do I find the scale on a map?
Look near the legend or the bar at the edge, where the scale is printed as a ratio such as 1:24,000, or as a bar you can measure against.
How do I measure a winding trail?
Lay a string along the trail, then measure the string against the map's scale. This calculator gives the straight-line distance, which is shorter than a winding path.
Can I use a phone map?
Only if you know its scale. Many digital maps do not state a ratio, so use the printed scale of a paper map for this.
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