About Map Scale Calculator
Hiking travelers mostly use topographic paper maps. The Scale Ratio (e.g., 1:24,000) tells you the relationship between paper distance and real ground distance.
Common USGS Scales
- 1:24,000 (7.5 Minute): 1 inch = 2,000 feet (0.38 miles). Detailed hiking.
- 1:62,500 (15 Minute): 1 inch ≈ 1 mile. General planning.
- 1:250,000: 1 inch ≈ 4 miles. Driving/Flight.
Usage Instructions
Enter the Map Scale (1 : X) and the measured distance on paper (inches or cm). The tool outputs the real-world miles/kilometers.