the Math eludes me

[brother]

I remember learning it a while ago, but how do you do your own scale?? LETS say you have a drawing of rooms, and there is no scale. Do you measure the actual room and then measure the drawing and then divide by that??

I know its simple but the math eludes me.

 

[Lcdrwalker]

It all depends on the size of your project and your paper. I usually start with 1/4"=1' and adjust form there.

 

[ron]

Here's an example.
If I measure the room and I get 8' for a particular dimension. Then I measure 1" on the drawing for that same dimension.
If you divide both by 8, you find that 1/8"=1'

 

[Inspectorcliff]

Both are good,

Both are good,

I use 1/4" equals a foot when I can. But sometimes you have to make adjustments. I don't think you would want to use that scale if it were a football field sized shop.

 

[480sparky]

If there is no scale, then the dimensions of a room, wall, etc. should be given. Without any dimensions, there's no way to calculate anything.

 

[acrwc10]

I remember learning it a while ago, but how do you do your own scale?? LETS say you have a drawing of rooms, and there is no scale. Do you measure the actual room and then measure the drawing and then divide by that??

I know its simple but the math eludes me.

Don't assume. If there is no scale go back to the GC or who ever and ask for them to dimension it for you. If you don't it could really screw you up. I have found that the only people that don't give you good dimensions are the ones that are going to come back and blame you for something being out of place. This is all to common and it is not up to you to figure out what they should already know. Especially if there are cabinets involved.

 

[brantmacga]

i think i understand you;

you've got to have the dimensions written in on at least one of the rooms.

measure with your ruler and divide that number by what the drawing says it should be. on your calculator, you'll get an odd decimal that will have to be converted to the nearest fraction possible. you can't build off it, but it'll give you a pretty close estimate of the actual size.

 

[tkb]

I usuall look for a door that should be 3' and turn my scale until a 3' measurement works.

 

[Smart $]

I remember learning it a while ago, but how do you do your own scale?? LETS say you have a drawing of rooms, and there is no scale. Do you measure the actual room and then measure the drawing and then divide by that??

I know its simple but the math eludes me.

Paper measurement = Real measurement​

Reduce as if a fraction.

Example:

4" = 32'
1" = 8'
1/8" = 1'​

As others have mentioned: A drawing without a scale is always considered 'NOT TO SCALE'.