Which description matches a Fraction (ratio) Scale on a map?

• A. Word scale
• B. Fraction scale
• C. Linear scale
• D. Verbal scale

Answer: (B)

Distances on a map are related to real-world distances by a fixed ratio. A Fraction (ratio) scale uses a representative fraction like 1:50,000, which means that 1 unit on the map (for example, 1 cm) represents 50,000 of those same units in reality (50,000 cm, or 500 meters). This type is precise and works with any unit, as long as you stay consistent, making it easy to measure and convert distances with a ruler. It differs from scales described in words or phrases (one centimeter equals fifty kilometers) and from a linear or graphic scale, which uses a line with marks to show distance rather than a single ratio. In practice, the ratio scale is especially common on Canadian maps for accurately calculating distances.