Same Social studies › Maps and geography › Map scale and distance
How do kids use a map scale?
A map scale tells how map distance compares to real distance, like “1 inch = 20 miles.” Kids measure the distance between two places on the map, then multiply by the scale. Three inches on that map means 3 × 20 = 60 real miles.
- Measure on the map with a ruler or the scale bar.
- Multiply by what one unit stands for.
- Always include the units: miles or kilometers.
Why schools teach it
Where social studies meets math
Students use maps to find distances and locations (C3 D2.Geo.1.3-5). In seventh grade math, they solve scale drawing problems (7.G.A.1), so the two subjects reinforce each other.
Scale also explains why maps of small areas show more detail than world maps.
At the kitchen table
What to say, and what to skip
Say this
What does one inch stand for on this map?
Read the scaleHow many inches apart are the two places?
MeasureSo how many miles is that?
MultiplyIs that a straight line or the road distance?
Skip this
- Forgetting the units.“60” means nothing; “60 miles” does.
- Measuring from the edges of the dots.Measure center to center.
- Assuming all maps use the same scale.Check the scale on every map.
See it in action
From Ashton to Belford
Read the scale
1 inch = 20 milesMeasure
The towns are 3 inches apart.Multiply
3 × 20 = 60 miles, in a straight line
A scale bar can be used without a ruler: mark its length on a paper strip and step it along.
Free practice sheet
Make a map scale sheet
Loading practice sheet…
Fridge cheat sheets
Social Studies Fridge Cheat Sheets
Every social studies method in one printable book (57 pages): a cheat sheet page like this guide, plus a practice sheet and its answer key for each, in Classic and handwritten Notebook styles. $8 one time, or all 7 subjects for $29.99. See all prices.
Teacher? This method has a classroom pack on TeachersPayTeachers: an anchor chart, a parent letter and practice sheets with answer keys, $4. See the pack
Parents: tell your child's teacher about this guide
Parents also ask
What kinds of scales are there?
A scale bar, a statement like “1 inch = 20 miles,” or a ratio like 1:1,000,000.
What does 1:1,000,000 mean?
One unit on the map equals one million of the same units in real life.
Why isn't the road distance the same?
Roads curve. Scale gives straight-line distance.
Is a large-scale map zoomed in or out?
Zoomed in. A large-scale map shows a small area in more detail.