Scale Ratio Blog.

By Alexandria Ferraz

Define it!

What is a Scale Ratio?

 A scale ratio, also known as a scale factor, refers a ratio between equivalent measurements of an object as well as an accurate depiction of said object. If the object is too large to draw on paper, scale ratios can be used to find a scaled-down, proportionate figure. Scale ratios can also be used on smaller objects to create a scaled-up drawing of it.

 

Example of a Scale Ratio.

(Image via www.tutors.com)

Think on it!

Why are scale drawings or models important?

Scale drawings/models are important as they are used as guides by those working within the creative fields (artists, designers, etc.) to create an object into a different size than it was originally. They are also used to provide a precise representation of a larger or smaller object in an accessible and less time-consuming way. For example, engineers can test a design concept by making a model instead of creating a life-sized prototype.

Scale drawings/models are useful in certain areas of work such as construction as it provides a way to communicate an exact plan for a design or look for an object in a visually pleasing manner.

Scale drawings and models are used by the following fields:

• Architects & Engineers
• Cartographers
• Artists

Why are they in important in these fields?

• Architects & engineers- these professions utilize scaled technical drawings in order to communicate to the builder their design as well as the exact specifications & dimensions required.

• Cartographers- Different varieties of scales such as bar scales, representative fractions (e.g., 1 / 600 000), or verbal wording (e.g., one inch to the mile) are used by cartographers to accurately describe & represent the size of geographic features on a map.

•  Artists- Particularly painters or sculptors, use scale ratios to sketch temporary guides before starting a large or small scaled project. They also use scale in order to draw attention to their artwork as well as to make it aesthetically pleasing to the viewer.

 

Explore it!

Size of an actual juvenile iguana = 33cm

Size of a model juvenile iguana = 33cm 

Scale = 1:1

 

Size of an actual mountain bike = 105cm

 

Size of a model mountain bike = 7.5cm 

Scale = 1:14

 

An actual Audi A5 = 469.70cm

 

Size of a model Audi A5 = 11.9cm

Scale = 1:39

Create it!

Example of 25-seater Shuttle Bus

Dimensions of a 25-seater Shuttle Bus:

Length = 7.0m

Width = 2.5m

Height = 2.5m

 

        Model of a 25-seater Shuttle Bus:

   Dimensions for Model:

Length = 7cm

Width = 2.5cm

Height = 2.5cm

   Working to find the Scale Ratio for Transit Bus:

Length: 7.0m  ÷ (7cm ÷ 100)

7.0m ÷ 0.07m = 1:100 

 Width: 2.5m ÷ (2.5cm ÷ 100)

2.5 ÷ 0.025m = 1:100

Height: 2.5m ÷ (2.5cm ÷ 100)

2.5m ÷ 0.025m = 1:100

 

Model of Shuttle Bus in comparison to a person:

References:

1. BBC Bitesize. (2017). Ratio in Context. Retrieved November 27, 2021, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zsnrjty/revision/6

2. M. Malcolm. Scale Factor | Definition, Formula & How To Find. Retrieved November 26^th, 2021 from https://tutors.com/lesson/what-is-a-scale-factor

3. Encylopedia.com (2015). Scale Drawings and Models. Retrieved November 25, 2021 from: https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/scale-drawings-and-models