Map Scale Converter
Convert map scale ratios like 1:25000 to real distances.
Calculate cm on map to km and miles.
Enter a map scale and a measurement — real distance calculates instantly.
A map scale like 1:25,000 means 1 cm on the map = 25,000 cm in real life.
The formula:
- Real distance = Map distance × Scale denominator
- Map distance = Real distance / Scale denominator
Common map scales:
| Scale | 1 cm on map = | 1 inch on map = |
|---|---|---|
| 1:10,000 | 100 m | 0.158 miles |
| 1:25,000 | 250 m | 0.395 miles |
| 1:50,000 | 500 m | 0.789 miles |
| 1:100,000 | 1 km | 1.578 miles |
| 1:250,000 | 2.5 km | 3.945 miles |
Metric conversion:
- 1 cm on map at 1:25,000 = 250 meters = 0.25 km
Imperial conversion:
- 1 inch on map at 1:25,000 = 635 meters = 0.395 miles
Typical uses:
- 1:25,000 — Hiking and orienteering maps
- 1:50,000 — Military topographic maps
- 1:100,000 — Regional planning maps
- 1:250,000 — Road atlas maps