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Map Scales – Finding Real Distances

🎯 Learning Intention

We are learning to use a map scale to work out the real distance between two places.

✅ Success Criteria – I can…

  • Explain what a map scale tells us
  • Measure a distance on a map in centimetres
  • Use the formula to find the real distance
  • Give my answer in kilometres
Key Vocabulary

Words You Need to Know

Scale A ratio that compares a distance on a map to the real distance on Earth.
Map distance How far apart two places look on the map — measured with a ruler in cm.
Real distance How far apart two places actually are on the ground — in kilometres.
Ratio A comparison between two numbers (e.g., 1 : 100 000 means 1 cm = 100 000 cm).
Kilometre (km) A unit of length. 1 km = 1 000 m = 100 000 cm.
Scale bar A visual bar on a map that shows you how far a distance represents in real life.
Concept

What Is a Map Scale?

A map is much smaller than the real world. A scale tells you how much smaller the map is compared to real life.

For example, a scale of 1 : 100 000 means:

1 cm on the map
= 100 000 cm in real life
100 000 cm ÷ 100 000 = 1 km

So every 1 centimetre you measure on the map equals 1 kilometre in the real world.

The Formula

How to Calculate Real Distance

  1. Measure the distance between two places on the map using a ruler. Write it down in centimetres (cm).
  2. Check the scale on the map — this tells you what 1 cm equals in real life.
  3. Multiply the map distance by the scale number to get the real distance in centimetres.
  4. Convert to kilometres by dividing by 100 000.
The Formula
Real Distance = Map Distance (cm) × Scale Number ÷ 100 000
Answer will be in kilometres (km)
Worked Example

Let's Walk Through One Together

📍 Question: On a map with a scale of 1 : 50 000, two towns are 6 cm apart. How far apart are they in real life?

🔍 Working It Out Step by Step

Step 1

The map distance = 6 cm

Step 2

The scale is 1 : 50 000, so 1 cm = 50 000 cm in real life.

Step 3

Multiply: 6 × 50 000 = 300 000 cm

Step 4

Convert: 300 000 ÷ 100 000 = 3 km 🎉

Before You Move On

Check Yourself

  • I can explain what a scale means on a map.
  • I know how to measure a distance in centimetres.
  • I can use the formula: Map Distance × Scale ÷ 100 000.
  • I know that the answer is in kilometres (km).

🗺️ Try It on the Map

Click two places on the map below to measure the distance between them. The calculator will do the maths with you!

Interactive Map – Explore Queensland

Click any two towns to measure the distance between them.

Selected Town
Town
📏 Measurement Line
Map Distance
–
Scale
1 : 50 000
Real Distance
–

💡 Tip: Click a first town, then click a second town. The line shows the map distance. Watch the maths happen automatically!

Change the Scale

Try different scales and see how the real distance changes.

✏️ Practice Questions

Pick your difficulty level, then try the questions. Read the scaffold hint if you need help!

Your Progress 0 of 5 answered correctly
🎉

Great Work!

The Workshoppilot