How to Determine the Scale of a Model

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Find the length and wingspan/width of the scale model which you are constructing.

   This can be done by simply searching up the type of model, and finding it's dimensions.
   
   For example, if you're making an Airbus A380 plane model, you would search up the dimensions of the plane, as this is the first step to finding the plane's scale. , It doesn't need to be millimeter perfect, but use a ruler for fairly accurate results., So, say the real life object had a length of 55m, and the model had a length of 50 cm, or
   0.5m, then do 55/0.5. This is equal to
   110., So, after your division of 55/0.5, the answer is
   110.
   
   Taking the reciprocal basically means putting 1 over it as a fraction.
   
   So, the reciprocal is 1/110.
   
   Now, instead of this being a fraction, just make it into a ratio, so, it is not 1/110 but 1:110. , You now know that in this example, 110 of your scale model will make 1 of the real life model.
2. 2

   Step 2: Find the dimensions of your model with a ruler.

3. 3

   Step 3: Divide the real life dimension of either length or width by that of the model.

4. 4

   Step 4: Take the reciprocal of the number you just had.

5. 5

   Step 5: You have found out the scale of your model!

Detailed Guide

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