Scale Factor Calculator
This calculator helps us to find the scaling factor between two lengths, simply enter two lengths, it will automatically calculate the scale factor and simplify the ratio, supports different length units (mm, cm, m, km, in, ft, yd, mi), in addition corresponding visual graphic and formula, easy understanding the calculation process and the result.
How to use the scale factor calcutor
- Enter the length of A and B
- Number accept decimal or fraction, eg. 6, 12, 4.7, 1/2, 5 3/8
- If the length units are different, choose the right unit
- The result(scale factor) will be calculated automatically.
What is scale factor ?
A scale factor in math is the ratio between corresponding measurements of an object and a representation of that object. The size by which the shape is enlarged or reduced is called as its scale factor. It is used when we need to increase the size of a 2D shape, such as circle, triangle, square, rectangle, etc. Scaling up means making something larger, or increasing its size. Scaling down means making something smaller, or reducing its size. Scale factor is a number by which the size of any geometrical figure or shape can be changed with respect to its original size.
How to figure out scale factor ?
In two similar geometric figures, the scale factor is the ratio of their corresponding sides, dividing the two corresponding lengths of the sides will gives the ratio, for example
What is the scale factor between 4 cm and 10 cm ?
4 and 10 are divisible by 2
Length A : 4 ÷ 2 = 2
Length B : 10 ÷ 2 = 5
so the scale factor from A to B is 2:5
If 12 inches equals 3 inches, what is the scale factor ?
12 and 3 are divisible by 3
12 ÷ 3 = 4
3 ÷ 3 = 1
12:3 ratio simplified is 4:1
so the scale factor of 12 inches to 3 inches is 4:1
If 1/4 inches equals 2 feet, what is the scale factor ?
1⁄4 in = 1 ÷ 4 = 0.25 in
2 ft = 12 × 2 = 24 in
1 ÷ 0.25 = 4
24 × 4 = 96
0.25:24 ratio simplified is 1:96
so the scale factor of 1⁄4 inches to 2 feet is 1:96
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