Map Scale Bar Builder
A free, browser-based calculator. Runs entirely in your browser — no sign up, nothing stored.
Scale bar settings
At 1:25000, this bar is 40 mm long when printed to scale. Ground distances on the labels are exact. Runs in your browser.
Preview
How to use this calculator
- Enter the map scale (1:X), the total ground length and the number of divisions.
- Choose metres or kilometres.
- Read the printed-length note and download the bar scale as an SVG to drop onto your map.
How it works
A bar (graphic) scale shows ground distance directly and stays correct even if the map is resized — unlike a ratio scale.
The tool draws an alternating black/white bar divided into your chosen number of parts, labelled with the exact ground distances, and tells you how long it is when printed to scale (ground length in mm ÷ scale).
Worked example
1:25,000, 1000 m, 5 divisions. Draws a 0–1000 m bar in 200 m divisions; at 1:25,000 it prints 40 mm long, so it scales correctly on the sheet.
Frequently asked questions
Why include a bar scale as well as the ratio?
If the map is photocopied, printed 'fit to page' or zoomed, the ratio (1:25,000) becomes wrong but the bar scale resizes with the image and stays correct.
Is this official course material?
No. It is free study support mapped to surveying course levels — not official North Metropolitan TAFE content or advice. Always follow your lecturer and the official assessment brief, and check your own working.
Related tools
Tip: Enter any known values to calculate the remaining results.
All calculations run in your browser. Your inputs are never saved or transmitted.