Scale Model and Map Scale Converter

How to use the scale model and map scale converter

1. Choose whether to go from real size to model size or from model size to real size.
2. Enter the scale as the second number. For 1:24 enter 24, and for a map at 1:24000 enter 24000.
3. Enter the length and pick its unit, then pick the unit for the answer.
4. Read the answer and the same length in millimeters, centimeters, meters, inches and feet.

Formula

A scale of 1:N means that 1 unit on the model equals N of the same unit in real life.

A real 15 foot object at 1:24

Model scales and map scales

Model kits use scales such as 1:24 for cars, 1:48 and 1:72 for aircraft, 1:87 for HO railways and 1:160 for N scale. Maps use much larger numbers, such as 1:24000. The math is the same, since a scale just says how many units of the real world one unit on the paper or model stands for.

The tool lets you mix units. You can enter feet and read inches, or enter map inches and read miles. All conversions go through meters using exact unit definitions.

Lengths, areas and volumes

This tool converts lengths. Areas scale by the square of the scale and volumes by the cube, so a model at 1:24 has 1/576 of the real area and 1/13,824 of the real volume. Weights do not scale with a simple rule because materials differ.

Kit makers sometimes round a stated scale, so a kit may not match its box exactly. For other conversions use the unit converter, for proportions the ratio calculator, and for surface areas the area calculator. The paper size converter handles sheet sizes.

Assumptions and limits

• The scale is entered as the second number of a 1:N scale and must be above zero.
• Only lengths are converted. Areas and volumes scale differently.
• A kit's real scale may differ slightly from the number on its box.
• Results are shown to up to six decimal places.

Formulas reviewed October 10, 2026. See the calculation methodology for how SumPanda rounds, tests and sources its formulas.

Frequently asked questions