Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 4-1 lists some common architectural drawing scales, using both imperial and met-
ric systems of measure. The table also lists the drawing scale factor corresponding to
each drawing scale and the common uses for each scale. If you work in industries other
than those listed here, ask drafters or coworkers what the common drawing scales are
and for what kinds of drawings they're used.
Table 4-1 Common Architectural Drawing Scales
Drawing Scale Drawing Scale Factor Common Uses
1/16" = 1'-0"
192
Large building plans
1/8" = 1'-0"
96
Medium-size building plans
1/4" = 1'-0"
48
House plans
1/2" = 1'-0"
24
Small building plans
1" = 1'-0"
12
Details
1:200
200
Large building plans
1:100
100
Medium-size building plans
1:50
50
House plans
1:20
20
Small building plans
1:10
10
Details
After you choose a drawing scale, engrave the corresponding drawing scale
factor on your desk, write it on your hand (don't mix those two up, okay?), and
put it on a sticky note on your monitor. You need to know the drawing scale factor
for many drawing tasks, as well as for some plotting. You should be able to recite
the drawing scale factor of any drawing you're working on in AutoCAD without
even thinking about it.
Even if you're going to use the Plot dialog box's Fit to Paper option (rather
than a specific scale factor) to plot the drawing, you still need to choose a scale to
make the non-real things (such as text, dash-dot linetypes, hatch patterns, and so
on) appear at a useful size. Choose a scale that's in the neighborhood of the Fit to
Paper plotting factor, which AutoCAD displays in the Plot Scale area of the Plot
