AI generatedRatio, proportion and rates of changeKey Stage 3

Reading a map scale

A scale of 1 : means 1 unit on the map represents of the same units in reality.

  • A scale of 1 : means 1 unit on the map represents of the same units in reality.
  • For centimetres, multiply by to get real centimetres before converting units.
  • Remember: 100 cm = 1 m and 100000 cm = 1 km.

Example 1

A map has scale 1 : 10000. What real distance in metres does 1 cm represent?

The scale compares matching centimetre units.Convert centimetres to metres.

Example 2

A map has scale 1 : 15000. What real distance in metres does 1 cm represent?

The scale compares matching centimetre units.Convert centimetres to metres.

Remember
Use the worked steps to check your method, not just the final answer.

Your turn

Question 1

A map has scale 1 : 20000. What real distance in metres does 1 cm represent?

Check answer
The scale compares matching centimetre units.Convert centimetres to metres.
Question 2

A map has scale 1 : 25000. What real distance in metres does 1 cm represent?

Check answer
The scale compares matching centimetre units.Convert centimetres to metres.
Question 3

A map has scale 1 : 30000. What real distance in metres does 1 cm represent?

Check answer
The scale compares matching centimetre units.Convert centimetres to metres.
Question 4

A map has scale 1 : 35000. What real distance in metres does 1 cm represent?

Check answer
The scale compares matching centimetre units.Convert centimetres to metres.
Question 5

A map has scale 1 : 40000. What real distance in metres does 1 cm represent?

Check answer
The scale compares matching centimetre units.Convert centimetres to metres.
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