Outdoor & Survival

Map scale calculator

Real distance from a measured distance and the scale.

  • Instant
  • Free
  • Private (processed locally)
  • No sign-up

ℹ️ Real distance = measured distance × N. Example: on a 1:25,000 map, 1 cm = 250 m. 100% local.

Real distance from a map

Enter the scale (the N in 1:N) and the measured distance in cm: the tool gives the real distance in metres and kilometres.

Example

InputValue
Scale1 : 25,000
Measure4 cm
Real distance1,000 m (1 km)

100% local calculation, no data sent.

Frequently asked questions

What does 1:25,000 mean?

1 unit on the map = 25,000 units in reality. So 1 cm = 25,000 cm = 250 m.

How to measure a curve?

Follow the path with a string or a map measurer, then enter the length in the tool.

Is elevation included?

No: this is the flat distance. In the mountains, the actual distance walked is a bit longer.