Dictionary Definition
The Oxford English Dictionary defines a scale factor as "a numerical factor by which each of a set of quantities is multiplied."Understanding a Scale Factor
When a shape is enlarged, the length of each side becomes larger (or smaller). Each side becomes larger (or smaller) by same amount. The length of each side is multiplied by a scale factor.
A Real Example of a Scale Factor
A scale factor is easier to understand with an example. The image below shows a light blue shape being enlarged to a dark blue shape.
Types of Scale Factors
Scale factors have different effects depending on how large the number is.Scale Factor | Description | |
---|---|---|
![]() |
Greater than 1 | The shape gets larger |
![]() |
Equal to 1 | The shape stays the same size |
![]() |
Greater than 0, less than 1 | The shape gets smaller |
![]() |
Negative | The shape is on the other side of the center of enlargement, and is the other way around |
What Is an Enlargement?
An enlargement resizes a shape. An enlargement makes a shape larger or smaller. An enlargement is a type of transformation.Scaling Lengths, Areas and Volumes
If a scale factor is k:- Each length on the image will be k times the length of the object.
- The area of the image will be k2 times the area of the object.
- The volume of the image will be k3 times the volume of the object.
You might also like...
transformationsunderstanding enlargementsenlarging a shapeenlarging a shape with a fractional scale factor
Help Us Improve Mathematics Monster
- Do you disagree with something on this page?
- Did you spot a typo?
Find Us Quicker!
- When using a search engine (e.g., Google, Bing), you will find Mathematics Monster quicker if you add #mm to your search term.
Share This Page

If you like Mathematics Monster (or this page in particular), please link to it or share it with others.
If you do, please tell us. It helps us a lot!
Create a QR Code

Use our handy widget to create a QR code for this page...or any page.