Floor plan drawings are usually drawn at a scale of 1⁄4 inch equals 1 foot to represent the actual size of a building structure on paper. Standard architectural scales include ratios such as 1/8 inch to 1 foot, 1⁄4 inch to 1 foot, and 1/2 inch to 1 foot, with different scales used for specific types of drawings like plot plans, floor plans, and construction plans. Architect's scales are triangular rulers marked with various scale ratios, including metrics and imperial, to allow measurements from scaled drawings.

1. The Architect’s Scale

2. Scaled Drawings Scale is a dimension that represents the structure shown in a plan and is also a ruler used in drawing and measuring architectural plan. Floor plan drawings are usually drawn to a ¼” = 1’ scale.

3. Standard Scales 1/8” = 1’ One-eighth inch equals one foot ¼” = 1’ One-fourth inch equals one foot ½” = 1’ One-half inch equals one foot 1” = 1’ One inch equals one foot

4. Scale Size Type of Drawing 1/8” = 1’ Plot Plans ¼” = 1’ Floor Plans ½” = 1’ Construction Plans 1” = 1’

5. Metric Scales Expressed in meters and millimeters Typically the ratio of 1:100 (meaning one millimeter is equal to 100 meters) is used for play plans. Floor plans use 1:50 ratio.

6. Architect’s Scale Triangular Each surface marked with a different scale A typical triangular scale has 11 different sets of measurements – 10 scales are in feet/inches and one scale is a rule in inches only