Design Skills | Understanding Scale in Drawings

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The purpose of scale is to be able to accurately represent spaces, objects or even graphics to a smaller, more practical size than the original.

For example, A 1:50 scale means that the object is 50 times smaller than in real life at scale 1:1.

Metric scales - Click on the thumbnail to view a larger image

Traditionally, scaled drawings were made on a drawing table using a scale ruler. This has now been largely replaced by CAD software. Scale nonetheless is used in exactly the same way.

The image below shows the scales available in VectorWorks ®, one of the most popular software used to produce 2D drafting and 3D architectural drawings.

As well as architects, interior designers, landscape designers and even theater deigners use it.

scale window - Click on the thumbnail to view a larger image.

The smaller the scale (the bigger the number), the smaller the drawing (and the smaller the sheet of paper needed). Consequently, small scale drawings will be less detailed than larger scale drawings.

In other words, large scales are used when a lot of details need to be shown, for example, construction details.

Details - Click on the thumbnail to view a larger image

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> About CAD > Scale > Basic Geometry > 2D Drafting > 3D drawing > The Overlay Method > Graphics > Image Editing