Guide • “calibrate scale pdf ipad”

How to calibrate scale on a PDF plan (iPad)

Accurate measurements start with calibration. Here’s a practical method that works for both scanned drawings and vector plans.

Step-by-step

  1. Pick a known dimension on the plan (e.g., a doorway width or a labeled segment).
  2. Zoom in so your taps land exactly on the endpoints.
  3. Select the calibration tool and tap the two endpoints.
  4. Enter the real-world length and choose the unit system (ft/in or m/mm).
  5. Confirm the scale and place a quick test measurement nearby to sanity-check.

Common calibration mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Using an ambiguous reference

Pick a dimension explicitly labeled on the drawing whenever possible.

Calibrating on the wrong page

If your PDF has multiple sheets at different scales, calibrate per page.

Not sanity-checking

Always place a quick test measurement on a second known dimension.