Map scales - which way round?

[rja211077]

Is 1:10000 (for example) termed a 'larger' or 'smaller' scale map than (e.g.) 1:50000

[geofbob]

1:10000 is a larger scale than 1:50000. In the former, one inch of map will represent 10000 inches of real distance, about 280 yards; but in the latter one inch will represent 50000 inches, about 1400 yards. Thus, on a 1:10000 scale, one square mile of area will require a map about 6 inches by 6 inches; but on a 1:50000 scale a map of only a little more than 1 inch by 1 inch will be required.