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When yous zoom in and out of Google Maps, the scale of the map changes. You can view the current scale in a ruler bar showing either miles or kilometers, although y'all tin can switch between units. Hither's how.

How to View the Map Calibration in Google Maps

If you're not sure what scale Google Maps is currently using, have a look at the bottom-correct corner of the map view in your desktop web browser. A pocket-sized ruler bar will display the electric current scale of the map, showing either miles or kilometers (or smaller units).

The Google Maps scale in a web browser, showing the map scale in miles.

If you lot're looking at the Google Maps mobile app, the calibration is usually shown equally you're zooming in or out of the map view and shows both miles and kilometers (or smaller). You can alter this, yet, to always display the calibration.

An example of the Google Maps scale bar in the Google Maps app on Android, showing both kilometers and miles.

How to Change Map Scale Units in Google Maps on Windows or Mac

Google Maps will ordinarily default to the units that are commonly used in your region. For instance, in the United States and the Great britain, altitude is shown in miles rather than kilometers. In Europe, however, kilometers are used.

To alter the map scale units used on the Google Maps desktop website on your Windows x PC or Mac, click the scale bar in the bottom-right corner.

To change the Google Maps scale units on PC or Mac, press the scale bar in the bottom right corner.

Selecting the scale bar will switch to the other measurements, assuasive you to quickly view the map calibration in miles, kilometers, or relevant smaller units.

How to Ever View the Map Scale in Google Maps on Mobile Devices

If you're using the Google Maps app on Android, iPhone, or iPad, you'll only see the map scale when you lot're zooming in and out. The scale bar shows both kilometers and miles, and then y'all don't need to exercise anything to switch between them.

If you desire to always see the map scale, you'll need to set the Google Maps app to practise so. Beginning by tapping your user profile icon in the peak-right corner of the app, which is found next to the search bar.

In the popular-up menu, tap the "Settings" selection.

In the pop-up menu, tap "Settings."

In the "Settings" menu, select the "Show Scale On Map" option.

Tap the "Show Scale On Map" option in the "Settings" menu.

By default, the "Show Scale on Map" setting is set to "When Zooming In And Out." To modify this, select "Always" instead.

Tap "Always" in the "Show Scale On Map" settings menu.

With this setting inverse, return to the map view. Yous should at present run into the calibration announced in the bottom-correct without zooming in or out, next to the navigation button.

An example of the Google Maps scale bar on Android, showing the always-on scale.

Zooming in and out of the map will crusade the scale to modify size, assuasive you lot to view how far (or how close) sure positions are on the map in both miles and kilometers.

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