1. What is Scale Factor?

Scale factor is the ratio between corresponding measurements of an object and a representation of that object. It determines how much larger or smaller an image is compared to the original object.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the scale factor formula:

Where:

• New Dimension — Measurement of the scaled object
• Original Dimension — Measurement of the original object

Explanation: A scale factor greater than 1 indicates enlargement, while a scale factor between 0 and 1 indicates reduction.

3. Importance of Scale Factor Calculation

Details: Scale factor is crucial in architecture, engineering, map-making, model building, and any field requiring proportional scaling of objects or images.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both dimensions in the same units. Values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a scale factor of 2 mean?
A: A scale factor of 2 means the new object is twice the size of the original in all dimensions.

Q2: What does a scale factor of 0.5 mean?
A: A scale factor of 0.5 means the new object is half the size of the original in all dimensions.

Q3: Can scale factor be negative?
A: No, scale factor is always a positive value as it represents a ratio of measurements.

Q4: How is scale factor different from ratio?
A: Scale factor is a specific type of ratio that compares corresponding measurements between similar figures.

Q5: How do I convert scale factor to percentage?
A: Multiply the scale factor by 100 to get the percentage. For example, scale factor 0.25 = 25%.