How to Calculate Road Mileage

You can use a map to find road mileage.

In a world saturated with computers and Internet access, you can easily find the mileage between two locations simply by entering the starting point and the destination. You may find yourself, however, in mid-journey, needing to calculate a distance and having no software with which to perform your task. In these cases, you will need to be able to use a map in order to figure road mileage. This skill can be crucial to planning your trip and making adjustments midstream.

Things You'll Need

• String
• Map
• Ruler

Instructions

1. Place one end of a string on the starting point of your route and hold that end down with your finger.

2. Use your other hand to guide the string along your path. Be sure to cover all the curves and turns along the route that you will be taking.

3. Mark the point in the string that touches your destination once you have covered your entire route with the string.

4. Measure your string from its end to the point that touched your destination.

5. Compare your measurement to the map scale. The map scale is usually located in a corner of the map and indicates distance. For instance, if your map scale says that 1 inch equals 10 miles, and your string measured 5 inches, multiply five times 10 to find a road mileage of 50 miles.

References

• Compass Dude: Map Scales