How to Check Plans Are Printed to Scale

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Step 1: PDF format printing

Download your file from your our email to your desktop or relevant folder
Open the file using your PDF software - the most popular is Abobe Reader << click to download for free
Or all modern browsers like Firefox or Edge allow printing of PDFs
Now Press the PRINT option

Step 2: Printing PDF plans to scale

Make sure that your printer is displayed
Always make sure that “Actual Size” is selected - this allows printing at 100% - the default is usually “Fit” or “Reduce to Printer Margins”
On older versions of Adobe Reader please make sure that no scaling is selected (or none) - the default choice is usually "Fit to Printable Area"
Select the number of copies you require
Finally press OK

Advanced: Checking Plans are to scale

A scale ruler is ideal for making sure your Ordnance Survey Plan is to scale - UK Manufactured scale rulers (that show 1:100, 1:200, 1:500, 1:1250 & 1:2500) are available via the link below:

Before submitting to say a Local Authority (or even doing your own measurements) it is very important to make sure that your plans are to scale
Not everyone has a scale ruler to hand but don't panic, you can use any ruler or measuring tape to check that our plans are to scale

Simply check your printout by placing a ruler as indicated on the image to the right - measure the mapping area only and it should measure:

11.2cm x 11.2cm at A5 budget size
16cm x 16cm at A4 Value size
17cm x 23cm at A4 Portrait size
25.5cm x 15.5cm at A4 landscape size
24cm x 24cm at A3 value size
24cm x 34cm at A3 portrait size
36.5cm x 22cm at A3 landscape size
36.5cm x 48.5cm at A2 portrait size
54.5 cm x 33cm at A2 landscape size
53.5cm x 71.5cm at A1 Portrait
78.5cm x 49.5cm at A1 landscape size
75cm x 99.5cm at A0 portrait size
111cm x 68.5cm at A0 landscape size

Printing to Scale — Frequently Asked Questions

Why print at 100% “Actual Size” instead of “Fit to Page”?

Any automatic scaling (Fit/Shrink) changes the size of features on the printout. That makes measurements for planning/surveying inaccurate. Printing at Actual Size (100%) preserves the intended scale so 1 cm on paper equals the correct real-world distance.

Which settings should I check before printing to scale?

Open the map in a PDF viewer/browser that supports accurate scaling (e.g. Adobe Reader, Chrome).
Choose the correct printer in the print dialogue.
Set scaling to Actual Size (disable “Fit”/“Shrink to printable area”).
Match paper size/orientation to the file (A4/A3, portrait/landscape).
Ensure printer margins or “printable area” don’t shrink or clip the image.

How can I confirm the print is truly to scale?

Use a scale ruler matching the plan (e.g., 1:500, 1:1250). If you don’t have one, use a standard ruler: measure a known dimension printed on the plan (e.g., the mapping frame bounds) and compare with the expected size. For example, if an A4 landscape file states the mapping area should be 25.5 cm × 15.5 cm, check the printed area matches those dimensions.

The print looks slightly too small/large — what should I do?

Confirm the correct paper size (A4/A3) and that scaling is 100% Actual Size.
Make sure the viewer is at 100% zoom before printing.
Disable “Fit to page” / “Shrink to printable area”.
If still off, use a calibrated scale ruler or ask a professional print service.
Still stuck? Contact UK Map Centre support for help.

My printer adds borders or margins — does this affect scale?

It can. Some drivers add non-printable margins or scale the image slightly. Because accurate scale depends on the printed dimensions, check the mapping area against the target size for your sheet (e.g., A3 portrait). Adjust printer margins or settings so the mapping frame isn’t shrunk.

Can I print to scale from any PDF viewer or browser?

Generally yes — modern browsers (Chrome/Firefox/Edge) and PDF apps (Adobe Reader) can print without scaling. Always verify the print preview and ensure Actual Size is selected.

What paper size and orientation should I use?

Match the file: A4 or A3, portrait or landscape as specified on the download page. The page lists expected mapping area dimensions per size. Using a different sheet or orientation risks incorrect scale or clipping.

I’m printing a large sheet (e.g., A1) — same process?

Yes — the principle is the same: print at Actual Size and verify with a ruler/scale. Larger sheets are more sensitive to driver margins and device calibration, so double-check the target mapping area size (e.g., for A0/A1 as listed on the page).

If my print isn’t exactly to scale, can I still use it for planning?

If measurements are critical for a local-authority submission, an incorrect scale may cause issues. Re-print with correct settings, use a professional print service, or request a correctly sized version from UK Map Centre. Always verify scale before submitting.

Who do I contact if I still can’t print to scale?

Contact UK Map Centre support with details: printer make/model, paper size/orientation, measured results, and the viewer/print settings used. We’ll help troubleshoot and get you a correct, to-scale output.

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