Scale, Plans and Elevations

This lesson covers DfE content statements L1.21, L1.25 and L1.26 — reading and using scales on maps and drawings; interpreting plans, elevations and nets of 3-D shapes; and using angle measurement for position and direction.

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Understanding Scale

A scale tells you how distances on a map or drawing relate to real-life distances. Without a scale, a drawing of a room would need to be the same size as the room itself!

How Scales Are Written

Scales can be written in different ways:

Format	Example	Meaning
Ratio	1 : 100	1 cm on the drawing = 100 cm (1 m) in real life
Statement	1 cm represents 5 km	1 cm on the map = 5 km in real life
Scale bar	A labelled line on the map	Read the bar to estimate distances

Using a Ratio Scale

1 : 100 means every measurement on the drawing is 100 times smaller than in real life.

To convert:

• Drawing → Real life: Multiply by the scale factor.
• Real life → Drawing: Divide by the scale factor.

Worked Example — Room Plan

Scenario: A floor plan is drawn at a scale of 1 : 50. A room measures 8 cm by 6 cm on the plan. What are the real dimensions?

Length: 8 cm × 50 = 400 cm = 4 m Width: 6 cm × 50 = 300 cm = 3 m

Worked Example — Map Distance

Scenario: A map has a scale of 1 cm represents 2 km. Two towns are 7.5 cm apart on the map. How far apart are they in real life?

7.5 × 2 = 15 km

Worked Example — Drawing to Scale

Scenario: You need to draw a garden that is 12 m long using a scale of 1 : 200. How long should the garden be on your drawing?

12 m = 1,200 cm 1,200 ÷ 200 = 6 cm

Exam Tip: When working with scales, always check your units. If the scale is 1 : 50, and you measure 4 cm on the drawing, the real-life measurement is 4 × 50 = 200 cm. Convert to metres (÷ 100) if the question asks for metres.

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Reading Scales on Instruments

You also need to read scales on everyday measuring instruments: rulers, kitchen scales, measuring jugs, thermometers, etc.

How to Read a Scale

1. Identify the values at two marked points.
2. Count the divisions between them.
3. Work out what each division is worth (difference ÷ number of divisions).
4. Read off your measurement.

Worked Example — Kitchen Scales

Scenario: A kitchen scale shows markings at 0, 100, 200, 300 g. There are 5 small divisions between 200 and 300. The pointer is on the second small division after 200.

Step 1: Difference = 300 − 200 = 100 g Step 2: Number of divisions = 5 Step 3: Each division = 100 ÷ 5 = 20 g Step 4: Reading = 200 + (2 × 20) = 240 g

Worked Example — Measuring Jug

Scenario: A measuring jug has marks at 0 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml and 1,000 ml. The water level is halfway between 250 and 500. How much water is in the jug?

Halfway between 250 and 500 = 250 + 125 = 375 ml

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Plans and Elevations

When we look at a 3-D object, we can draw what it looks like from different viewpoints. These drawings are called plans and elevations.

View	Description
Plan	The view from above (bird's eye view)
Front elevation	The view from the front
Side elevation	The view from the side

Worked Example — A Simple Building

Scenario: Imagine a box-shaped building that is 10 m long, 6 m wide and 4 m tall.

View	What you see
Plan (from above)	A rectangle 10 m × 6 m
Front elevation	A rectangle 10 m × 4 m
Side elevation	A rectangle 6 m × 4 m

Why Plans and Elevations Matter

• Architects and builders use plans to communicate designs.
• You might see a floor plan when choosing a flat or house.
• Flat-pack furniture often shows different views in the instructions.

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Nets of 3-D Shapes

A net is a flat pattern that folds up to make a 3-D shape. Think of cutting a cardboard box along its edges and unfolding it.