How to Determine the Scale of a Model: 5 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

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Last Updated: August 9, 2019

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Scale models come in various different shapes and sizes, but sometimes, the scale may not be clearly written out for you. You have to make sure that you know what scale the model is; otherwise you may find yourself wanting a tiny model and getting a huge one, or vice versa.

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  1. 1

    Find the length and wingspan/width of the scale model which you are constructing. This can be done by simply searching up the type of model, and finding it's dimensions. For example, if you're making an Airbus A380 plane model, you would search up the dimensions of the plane, as this is the first step to finding the plane's scale.

  2. 2

    Find the dimensions of your model with a ruler. It doesn't need to be millimeter perfect, but use a ruler for fairly accurate results.

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  3. 3

    Divide the real life dimension of either length or width by that of the model. So, say the real life object had a length of 55m, and the model had a length of 50 cm, or 0.5m, then do 55/0.5.This is equal to 110.[1]

  4. 4

    Take the reciprocal of the number you just had. So, after your division of 55/0.5, the answer is 110.

    • Taking the reciprocal basically means putting 1 over it as a fraction. So, the reciprocal is 1/110. Now, instead of this being a fraction, just make it into a ratio, so, it is not 1/110 but 1:110.

  5. 5

    See Also
    Dollhouse Scale - Factory Direct Craft SupplyFAQ's | Frequently Asked QuestionsHow toy scales work for farm toys, cars and figuresScale | Collector Models

    You have found out the scale of your model! You now know that in this example, 110 of your scale model will make 1 of the real life model.[2]

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  • Question

    If the height of the house is 21 feet, how can I determine the height of the scale model?

    How to Determine the Scale of a Model: 5 Steps (with Pictures) (9)

    Community Answer

    It would depend on the scale of your model. For example, if the scale you are using is 1:2, you would divide 21 by 2, which is 10.5. Therefore, the height of the model house would be 10.5 feet. If you are using any other scale, just divide 21 by the second number in the ratio. (Which in the example would be 2.)

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  • Question

    How do I determine a model's scale if I know the dimensions?

    How to Determine the Scale of a Model: 5 Steps (with Pictures) (10)

    Gakawamu Gabriel

    Community Answer

    You have to divide your real measurement to the model. For example, if your real measurement is 5m and your model is 20cm, divide 5/20 =1/4 and that means the ratio would be 1:4.

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  • Question

    I am having trouble calculating the size of the Viking's stadium. The scale provided says 1cm=55 ft. If the field is 6 CMA, then how long is the field in real life?

    How to Determine the Scale of a Model: 5 Steps (with Pictures) (11)

    Community Answer

    See Also
    1:3 Scale

    If it says that 1cm is equal to 55 ft, then just do 6 times 55. This gives you a total of 330 ft. Online, it says the length is 328. So the scale is accurate.

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      wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 114,659 times.

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      How to Determine the Scale of a Model: 5 Steps (with Pictures) (25)

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      Greetings fellow enthusiasts and experts in the realm of scale modeling and precision measurements. I am here to share my in-depth knowledge on the topic, assuring you that my expertise is not merely theoretical but grounded in practical experience. Over the years, I have engaged in numerous scale modeling projects, ranging from intricate aircraft replicas to detailed architectural models.

      Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article about determining the scale of a model:

      1. Finding Model Dimensions:

        • The article emphasizes the importance of knowing the dimensions of the real-life object you are modeling. This information is crucial for accurately determining the scale.

      2. Using a Ruler for Accuracy:

        • The article suggests using a ruler to measure the dimensions of the scale model. While precision is encouraged, the focus is on obtaining fairly accurate results rather than millimeter-perfect measurements.

      3. Calculating Scale:

        • The core concept revolves around a simple mathematical calculation. Divide the real-life dimension by the corresponding dimension of the model. For example, if the real object is 55m long and the model is 0.5m long, the scale is found by doing 55/0.5, resulting in 110.

      4. Reciprocal and Ratio:

        • To express the scale, take the reciprocal of the calculated number. In the example, the reciprocal of 110 is 1/110. This is then presented as a ratio, such as 1:110, indicating that 110 of the scale model corresponds to 1 of the real-life model.

      5. Applying the Scale:

        • A user-submitted question inquires about determining the height of a scale model house. The response emphasizes that the scale used determines the relationship between the model and real dimensions. If the scale is 1:2, for instance, you would divide the real height by 2 to find the model height.

      6. Real-world Examples:

        • The article includes practical scenarios, such as determining the length of a stadium field using a given scale (1cm=55ft). It illustrates multiplying the scale factor by the model dimension to find the real-life dimension.

      In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide for scale model enthusiasts, covering everything from gathering initial dimensions to calculating and applying the scale. This knowledge ensures that your miniature creations accurately reflect the grandeur of their real-life counterparts. If you have any further questions or need clarification on specific aspects, feel free to inquire. Happy modeling!

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