What is the correct ratio for a structure drawn in a set of plans at 1/4 inch = 1 foot scale?

In the context of architectural and engineering plans, scales are used to represent a much larger object on paper in a manageable size while maintaining proportionality. When a scale of 1/4 inch equals 1 foot is used, it means that for every 1/4 inch on the drawing, it corresponds to 1 foot in actual size.

To convert this scale into a ratio, you assess how many inches are in a foot. Since there are 12 inches in a foot, we can follow this process:

1. Determine how many quarter inches fit into 12 inches (1 foot). Since 1 foot equals 12 inches, we divide 12 by 1/4:

• 12 ÷ (1/4) = 12 x 4 = 48.

This calculation establishes that 1/4 inch on the drawing represents 1 foot (or 12 inches) in reality, meaning the drawings are at a scale of 1:48.

Using this ratio, the drawn plans are depicting a structure at 1/48 of its actual size (where 1 unit on the drawing equals 48 units in real life). Therefore, the correct understanding of the 1/4 inch equals 1 foot