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Travel Maths

Maths hiding in travel: map scales

Use simple map scales to compare real distances.

Quick answer

Map scales help us figure out how far real places are from each other by showing the relationship between distances on the map and distances in real life.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use a map scale to work out how far real places are from each other. Success signs:
  • You can read a map scale and understand what it means
  • You can measure a distance on a map and work out how far it is in real life
  • You can use a map scale to plan a short journey
  • You can spot when a map scale is useful for travel

Why this matters

Map scales help you understand how far you need to travel to get somewhere. When you go on holiday, plan a trip, or even walk to school, you use map scales to know how long it takes and how far you need to go. You can also use them to compare how far different places are from each other. In games, maps, and even apps, map scales help you find your way around and make plans.

How it works

Map scales show the relationship between a distance on the map and the real distance in the world. A scale like 1:100,000 means that 1 centimetre on the map is equal to 100,000 centimetres (or 1 kilometre) in real life. To use a scale, you measure the distance on the map, then multiply that by the scale number to find the real distance. Let's break this down:
  1. Look at the map scale. It often looks like 1:100,000 or 1 cm = 1 km.
  2. Measure the distance between two places on the map using a ruler.
  3. Multiply the map distance by the scale number to get the real distance.

Examples you can see

Imagine you have a map with a scale of 1:50,000. This means 1 cm on the map equals 50,000 cm in real life. Since 50,000 cm is 500 metres, 1 cm on the map equals 500 metres in real life. Let's say you measure the distance between two towns on the map and it's 3 cm. To find the real distance:
  1. Map distance = 3 cm
  2. Scale = 1 cm = 500 m
  3. Real distance = 3 × 500 = 1,500 m
Real-world example: Let's say you're planning a walk with your family. You use a map with a scale of 1 cm = 2 km. You measure the path from your house to the park, and it's 4 cm. That means the real distance is 4 × 2 = 8 km. Another example: A map shows a distance of 5 cm between two cities. The scale is 1:200,000. This means 1 cm on the map is 200,000 cm or 2 km in real life. So 5 cm = 5 × 2 = 10 km.

Try it as a mini adventure

Mini Adventure: The Great Map Quest! You're going on a treasure hunt with your friends. You have a map with a scale of 1 cm = 3 km. You need to find the treasure that's hidden 12 km away from your starting point. How far should you measure on the map?
  1. Real distance = 12 km
  2. Scale = 1 cm = 3 km
  3. Map distance = 12 ÷ 3 = 4 cm
So you should measure 4 cm on the map to find the treasure. Let's try another one:
  1. You start at the school and walk 6 km to the library.
  2. Scale on the map = 1 cm = 2 km
  3. How far should you measure on the map?
Answer: 6 ÷ 2 = 3 cm You can also do this with a friend. One person draws a path on a map, and the other calculates how far it is in real life using the scale.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Confusing the scale number with the real distance. For example, thinking 1:100,000 means 100,000 km in real life.
    Why it happens: Not understanding that the scale shows the relationship between map and real life.
    Fix: Remember that the first number is the map distance and the second is the real distance. So 1 cm on the map is 100,000 cm (or 1 km) in real life.
  • Mistake: Measuring the wrong way on the map.
    Why it happens: Not using a straight line or ruler to measure distance.
    Fix: Use a ruler and measure the straight line between two points. If the path is curved, break it into straight segments.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to convert units.
    Why it happens: Mixing up centimetres and metres or km.
    Fix: Always make sure your units match. If the scale is in km, make sure your map distance is also in cm or km.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Using a real map at home or in a travel guide and asking your child to measure distances between places.
  • Playing a game where you plan a short trip and use the map scale to figure out how far you'll travel.
  • Encouraging your child to ask questions like, "How far is it from my school to the park?" and then checking the map together.
  • Using online map tools or apps to show how scale works in real life.
  • Practising with simple scales like 1 cm = 1 km or 1 cm = 2 km to start with.
What to say: "Let's look at this map together. What does the scale tell us about how far apart these places are?" What not to worry about: Your child might make mistakes at first. That's normal. Keep encouraging them to check their work and think about whether their answer makes sense.

Practice questions

  1. Map scale is 1 cm = 5 km. Distance on map = 4 cm. What is the real distance?
  2. Map scale is 1 cm = 2 km. Distance on map = 6 cm. What is the real distance?
  3. Map scale is 1:100,000. Distance on map = 3 cm. What is the real distance?
  4. Map scale is 1 cm = 10 km. Distance on map = 2 cm. What is the real distance?
  5. Map scale is 1:50,000. Distance on map = 5 cm. What is the real distance?
Answers:
  1. 4 × 5 = 20 km
  2. 6 × 2 = 12 km
  3. 3 × 1 = 3 km (since 100,000 cm = 1 km)
  4. 2 × 10 = 20 km
  5. 5 × 0.5 = 2.5 km (since 50,000 cm = 0.5 km)

FAQ

What does a map scale of 1:100,000 mean?

It means that 1 unit on the map (like 1 cm) equals 100,000 of the same units in real life (100,000 cm = 1 km).

How do I use a map scale to plan a trip?

Measure the distance between places on the map, then multiply by the scale number to find how far you'll actually travel.

Can I use a map scale to find how far I’ve walked?

Yes! If you have a map of your walk and know the scale, you can measure your path and calculate the real distance.

Why do some maps have different scales?

Smaller scales (like 1:1,000,000) show a bigger area but less detail. Larger scales (like 1:10,000) show a smaller area but more detail.

What if the scale is 1 cm = 100 m?

That means 1 cm on the map equals 100 metres in real life. So 5 cm = 500 m.