How to Use a Ruler With a Map Scale

Refer to a map's scale to calculate distances.

When planning a trip, you need to know the mileage involved in traveling to your destinations. This will help you to plan how much time you'll be on the road, as well as the amount of gas you'll need and the estimated cost of that gas. To do this, you can use a map scale to figure distances. By using a ruler in conjunction with a map scale, you should be able to figure distances quickly and easily.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator (optional)

Instructions

1. Measure the distance from one location on the map to another via the roadways that you intend to use.

2. Locate the map scale. Most are usually in a bottom corner of the map.

3. Multiply your measurement by the figures on the scale. For instance, if you measured 4.3 inches between two locations and the scale sets an inch as equal to 10 miles, multiply 4.3 by 10 to get a distance of 43 miles.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to convert between standard American measurements and metric measurements, keep in mind that an inch equals 2.54 centimeters. Therefore, when converting from inches to centimeters, multiply by 2.54. When converting from centimeters to inches, divide by 2.54.

• Another tip to remember is that if a road is too curvy to measure with a ruler, cover it with a string and then measure the string with the ruler.

References

• Kids Geo: Map Scale Types