Scale bar

A ruled bar in alternating blocks, showing ground distance on a map.

Also known as: Graphic scale, Ruler on a map, Black and white bar map

Maps & navigationStandard profile

Meanings

A scale bar states how far a distance on the map is on the ground. Unlike a written ratio it stays correct when the map is photocopied at a different size, which is why it survives on maps that also state a ratio.

Common modern usageVerified fact
States the relationship between distance on the map and distance on the ground, as a marked bar the reader measures against.
Contexts: Navigation, Maps
Common modern usageVerified fact
Remains correct when the map is enlarged or reduced, which a written ratio does not — the reason maps carry both.
Contexts: Navigation, Maps
Common modern usageVerified fact
Is drawn in alternating filled and open blocks so a distance can be counted off by eye without measuring each division.
Contexts: Navigation, Maps

Visual description

A long horizontal bar divided into equal segments filled alternately black and white, with distance figures written beneath the division marks.

Symmetry: none
Orientation: upright
Colours: black, white

Confidence

IdentityHigh confidence: High confidence because the identity is documented in encyclopedic references.
Historical originModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the historical origin is documented in encyclopedic references, but early or supporting evidence is limited, but the regional or cultural match to this specific claim is not precise.
Current useHigh confidence: High confidence because the current use is documented in encyclopedic references.
Visual matchHigh confidence: High confidence because the visual match is documented in encyclopedic references.

Sources

Cartographic symbol
Wikipedia · retrieved 2026-08-01
Tertiary reference. Used for what a symbol depicts and which authority publishes it, not for the legend of any particular chart series or the text of any standard.
Scale (map)
Wikipedia · retrieved 2026-08-01
Tertiary reference. Used for what a symbol depicts and which authority publishes it, not for the legend of any particular chart series or the text of any standard.

Last reviewed 2026-08-01

Part of

Map, chart and weather symbols

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Meanings

Common modern usageVerified fact

States the relationship between distance on the map and distance on the ground, as a marked bar the reader measures against.

Contexts: Navigation, Maps

Common modern usageVerified fact

Remains correct when the map is enlarged or reduced, which a written ratio does not — the reason maps carry both.

Contexts: Navigation, Maps

Common modern usageVerified fact

Is drawn in alternating filled and open blocks so a distance can be counted off by eye without measuring each division.

Contexts: Navigation, Maps

Confidence

IdentityHigh confidence: High confidence because the identity is documented in encyclopedic references.
Historical originModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the historical origin is documented in encyclopedic references, but early or supporting evidence is limited, but the regional or cultural match to this specific claim is not precise.
Current useHigh confidence: High confidence because the current use is documented in encyclopedic references.
Visual matchHigh confidence: High confidence because the visual match is documented in encyclopedic references.

Sources

Cartographic symbol
Wikipedia · retrieved 2026-08-01
Tertiary reference. Used for what a symbol depicts and which authority publishes it, not for the legend of any particular chart series or the text of any standard.
Scale (map)
Wikipedia · retrieved 2026-08-01
Tertiary reference. Used for what a symbol depicts and which authority publishes it, not for the legend of any particular chart series or the text of any standard.

Last reviewed 2026-08-01