# Scala Architectural Scale — To measure printed drawings > Measure printed architectural and engineering drawings with fixed and variable scales. (iPhone/iPad app by Noerah Alvi.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scala-architectural-scale/id1090018333 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Noerah Alvi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1088349320) - Category: Utilities, Reference - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Rating: 4.60/5 from 25 App Store ratings · 15 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 15.6 · 1 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2016-04-22 - Data updated: 2026-07-17 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scala-architectural-scale/id1090018333/reviews.md ## What is Scala Architectural Scale? Let Scala Architectural and Engineering Scale change the way you measure printed drawings on the go and at your desk. With fixed and variable scales there is no limit to measuring a printed drawing of any scale, even if the scale is unknown. FIXED SCALES If you know the scale of a drawing, place your device on the drawing, scroll to the scale of the printed drawing and watch the chosen scale slide in. VARIABLE SCALES If the scale of a drawing is unknown, slide your finger on the variable scale and match the scale of one known element, lock it and use it to measure all elements on that drawing. MEASURING Slide the measurement slider in fixed or variable scale modes, along the scale to see the desired measurement displayed. SECONDARY UNITS Choose secondary units to be displayed while measuring, to quickly convert between metric, decimal feet and feet and inches. PRECISION Control the precision of the measurement units. —-— Scala Free Version includes: ARCHITECTURAL Fixed Scales: Full Scale (12”=1’-0”), 6”=1’-0”, 3”=1’-0”, 1 1/2”=1’-0”, 1”=1’-0”, 3/4”=1’-0” Variable Scale Range: Between full scale and 1/32”=1’-0” ENGINEERING Fixed Scales: 1”=10’, 1”=20’, 1”=30’, 1”=40’, 1”=50’ and 1”=60’ Variable Scale Range: Between 1”=10’ and 1”=300’ METRIC Fixed Scales: 1:1, 1:2, 1:5, 1:10, 1:20, 1:25 Variable Scale Range: Between 1:1 and 1:1000 Scala Full Version includes all scales above plus the following: ARCHITECTURAL Fixed Scales: 1/2”=1’-0”, 3/8”=1’-0”, 1/4”=1’-0”, 3/16”=1’-0”, 1/8”=1’-0”, 3/32”=1’-0”, 1/16”=1’-0”, 1/32"=1'-0" ENGINEERING Fixed Scales: 1"=80', 1"=100', 1"=200', 1"=300' METRIC Fixed Scales: 1:30, 1:40, 1:50, 1:75, 1:100, 1:125, 1:200, 1:250, 1:300, 1:400, 1:500, 1:1000 —-— ## Key features - Fixed and variable scale measurement - Supports unknown drawing scales - Secondary unit conversions (metric, decimal feet, feet/inches) - Adjustable measurement precision - Extensive scale options for architectural, engineering, and metric drawings ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Scala Full Version | $2.99 | one-time | ## Recent user reviews (10 of 15) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scala-architectural-scale/id1090018333/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Amazing for drafting classes *2023-02-02* This app is amazing for up-and-coming drafting students learning how to use different types of scales. I do have a request, though I wish you could move the ruler up and down from the fixed point. This would help get the information you need even know your device isn’t long enough. I know this would eliminate a true measurement, but maybe you could lock the ruler in place. Other than that if your measurements are in range of your device that’s app is amazing! I highly suggest you buy the premium version as well!! ### 5/5 — Very Useful! Great App *2022-11-17* 2022 I still use this app daily. I'd still like to see a decimal inch/mechanical scale and a way to enter the variable scale numerically.........2016 As a civil engineer this is a very handy app. Working with arch and civil and mech scales is needed and when you forget one or need one surprised you're covered! The variable scale feature in this app is invaluable!! My wish list would include a full scale decimal inch readout. It's there but you need to read the numbers out of the display. Also a flip direction would help. Then two sliders to measure the delta and shift the 0 point would be helpful. ### 5/5 — Handy tool *2021-03-14* The only thing I would like to see in this app is the ability to measure longer dimensions that the 5-1/2” lengths of the iPhone. I was trying to add some measurements and was hoping to be able to pull down the scale on the right side and get 6” or 7” but it seemed that the measurement stopped at 5.5”. ### 5/5 — Dead On Accurate! Highly Recommended! *2019-04-26* I use this with my iPad Pro and it is dead on accurate compared to my engineer’s scale. It’s great for making impromptu measurements in the field. ### 5/5 — Essential part of my toolkit *2018-12-05* This app has become an essential part of my toolkit that I use daily in my practice. ### 1/5 — Not happy *2018-07-22* App isn't very good for architectural drawings especially if the scale on the plans is different to the size paper that is being used. Ie it should be able to convert the following 1:100@AO is what on A3? **Developer response:** Thanks for sharing your concern. Fortunately there is a feature in the app called 'Variable Scale' that measures a printed drawing of any scale regardless of paper size. This short video demonstrates this feature: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8wk4zHsnPr8&feature=youtu.be. ### 5/5 — Scala Scale *2018-03-29* Every person on construction should have this app!!! It’s even more accurate than an actual architectural scale!!! Best app for measuring any construction drawing!! ### 5/5 — Handy app *2017-07-19* Clever, simple designed app that comes in very handy if you forget or don't want to carry a scale. Great support, very helpful and responsive. ### 5/5 — Excellent and handy scale *2016-09-06* I am a developer and needs something simple to measure some dimensions on 11"x17" scaled-down site plans. This app allows me to set non-standard scales and it works great. The developer sent me a video on how to set a flexible scale, which was very helpful. ### 5/5 — No other scale does so much! *2016-08-01* While others at the construction site are just guessing dimensions, I use Scala on my iPhone or iPad to determine correct measurements. Everyone to whom I have shown this handy app is impressed, especially with the "variable scale" since drawings at the job site - or even in the office - are so often printed to fit a sheet of paper, leaving the scale unknown. I enthusiastically recommend this beautifully intuitive app to all my design and construction colleagues! ## Frequently asked questions about Scala Architectural Scale ### How does Scala Architectural Scale measure drawings? Scala Architectural Scale uses your device's screen to measure printed drawings. You can place your device on the drawing and use fixed scales if you know the drawing's scale, or variable scales to determine and use an unknown scale. ### Can Scala Architectural Scale measure drawings with unknown scales? Yes, Scala Architectural Scale features a variable scale mode. You can slide your finger on the variable scale to match a known element on the drawing, lock it, and then use it to measure other elements. ### What types of scales does Scala Architectural Scale support? Scala Architectural Scale supports a wide range of fixed and variable scales for architectural, engineering, and metric drawings. The free version includes many common scales, with the full version offering even more options. ### Does Scala Architectural Scale offer unit conversions? Yes, Scala Architectural Scale allows you to choose secondary units for display, enabling quick conversions between metric, decimal feet, and feet and inches while measuring. ### Is Scala Architectural Scale accurate? The app allows you to control the precision of the measurement units, contributing to accurate readings. Users have rated it highly, with an average of 4.6 stars from 25 ratings. ### What devices is Scala Architectural Scale available on? Scala Architectural Scale is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices, making it accessible for a wide range of Apple users. ### When was Scala Architectural Scale last updated? The latest version of Scala Architectural Scale is 2.2, and it was last updated on November 24, 2025, indicating recent development and support. ### What is the age rating for Scala Architectural Scale? Scala Architectural Scale has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a broad audience of users. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 2.2 — 2025-11-24 Scala updated for iPhone Air compatibility. ### 2.0.1 — 2024-09-28 Fixed Zoom Display mode and More Space mode on 12.9 inch iPad. ### 2.0 — 2024-09-24 Added support for iPhone 16 family. ### 1.2.7 — 2021-02-28 Updated app to work with Zoomed Display mode on all devices. ### 1.2.6 — 2020-10-23 Updated app for iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPad Air display sizes. 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User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-17.*