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Scale Notations
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Model scales are denoted either as a ratio (e.g. 1:96) or in units per foot (e.g. 1/8"=1'), or sometimes both. These two notations are equivalent but approach the idea of scale from different perspectives.
A ratio (such as 1:96) is stating that for every linear foot there are 96 scale model feet (1'=96sm').
Denoting scale in units per foot (such as 1/8"=1') is stating that 1/8" is the scale model's 1' length (1/8"=1sm').
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Calculation
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The relationship between ratio and units per foot is a straightforward calculation to solve for a 1 foot length.
Knowing that 12"=1' and 304.8mm=1' we have the following formula:
Example: 1:96 or 1/8"=1'
expressed in Imperial inches:
96 X 1/8"=1' equals 96/8"=1' equals 12"=1'
or expressed in decimal inches:
96 X 0.125"=1' equals 12"=1'
or expressed in millimeters:
96 X 3.175mm=1' equals 304.8mm=1'
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