Scale Worksheet

Scale in maths at a glance

Scale in maths involves maps and other scale drawings. If something is drawn to scale, such as a map, it is an accurate representation of a bigger thing, with all distances on the map or drawing in the same proportion as the actual distances in real life. 

The map scale is usually given in the form 1:n, where the distances on the map are n times smaller than the actual length in real life. We can calculate missing lengths between two places by measuring the distance on the map and multiplying by n. 

For scale drawings and scale diagrams, calculating scale factors can be done by dividing the real distance by the length of the drawing. In the same way, we can calculate the scale factor between two mathematically similar figures by dividing the length of a given side of shape A by the length of the corresponding side of shape B. Once we have the scale factor, it can be used to calculate the lengths of any missing sides of the shapes. 

Scale problems require students to be proficient in working with whole numbers, ratio, fractions and decimals, metric units (centimetres, metres, kilometres), reading scales, and conversions. They regularly feature as word problems. 

Looking forward, students can then progress to additional ratio and proportion worksheets, for example a ratio worksheet or a simplifying and equivalent ratios worksheet.

For more teaching and learning support on Ratio and Proportion our GCSE maths lessons provide step by step support for all GCSE maths concepts.