Why does area scale by the square?

Area is a two-dimensional measurement (length times width). When both dimensions are reduced by the scale factor, the area is reduced by the factor squared. At 1:72 scale, the area factor is 72 x 72 = 5,184. So a 1 m² real surface becomes about 0.000193 m² (1.93 cm²) at 1:72.

When is scale area useful?

Scale area is useful for calculating paint coverage on models (how much real surface area your model represents), sizing diorama bases, and calculating material quantities for terrain and scenery.

How does this relate to paint coverage?

Paint coverage is specified per real area (e.g. ml per m²). If you know the real surface area of the object you are modelling, converting it to scale area tells you the actual area of your model that needs painting, which helps estimate paint quantity.

ModelCalcs

Scale Area Calculator — Square Law Conversion

Convert real-world areas to scale areas and back. Areas scale by the square of the scale factor.

Direction

Area

Unit

Scale

How We Calculate This

Area scales by the square of the linear scale factor.

Formulas

Real to Scale: Scale area = Real area ÷ Scale²
Scale to Real: Real area = Scale area × Scale²

Example: A real aircraft wing area of 28 m² at 1:72:
28 ÷ 72² = 28 ÷ 5,184 = 0.0054 m² = 54 cm² on the model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

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Mixed Scale Calculator

Convert a measurement from one model scale to another without going back to real size.

Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.