How-To: Understand Metric Scales

Rulers with David Baker Architects Logo

It’s hard for architects who only work with feet and inches to understand metric scales. This guide will help you get a feel for what’s going on by relating common metric scales to English counterparts.

Metric: 1:5m
1 cm = 5 cm

Imperial:  3" = 1'-0"
three inch scale

Metric: 1:50
1 cm = 0.5 m

Imperial:  1" = 4'
quarter inch scale

(actual scale: 1" = 4.17')

Metric: 1:100
1 cm = 1 m

Imperial:  1" = 8'
eighth inch scale

(actual scale: 1"= 8.33')

Metric: 1:200
1 cm = 2 m

Imperial:  1" = 1/16'
sixteenth inch scale

(actual scale: 1" = 16.66')

Metric: 1:500
1 cm = 5 m

Imperial:  1" = 40'
(actual scale: 1" = 41.66")

Metric: 1:1000
1 cm = 10 m

Imperial:  1" = 80'
(actual scale: 1" = 83.34')

Metric: 1:5000
1 cm = 50 m

Imperial:  1" = 400'
(actual scale: 1" = 418.66')

Metric: 1:10000
1 cm = 100 m

Imperial:  1" = 800'
(actual scale: 1" = 833.32')