Translation guide
A multiplier used to adjust size, quantity, or intensity. In Japanese, the expression depends on the domain: mathematics, engineering, maps, economics, or general scaling.
scale factor (math/engineering)
scale factor (map/drawing)
A number by which a quantity is multiplied to change its magnitude
General term for magnification factor or scaling ratio. Used in math, optics, and engineering.
The magnification factor of this lens is 5x.
Technical term for scale factor in physics and mathematics, often used in contexts like cosmology or fractal geometry.
The ratio between a representation and the actual object
A factor used to adjust values for comparison or normalization
A number you multiply by to change size or amount
Plain explanatory phrase: 'the number you multiply by'. Natural in everyday speech.
倍率 (ばいりつ) is a general magnification factor (can be >1 or <1). 縮尺 (しゅくしゃく) specifically means reduction scale for maps/drawings (always ≤1). For enlargement in maps, 倍尺 (ばいしゃく) exists but is rare; use 倍率 or 拡大率 (かくだいりつ) instead.
Directly translating 'scale factor' as スケールファクター is not common in Japanese. Use domain-specific terms like 倍率, 縮尺, or 調整係数.
In cosmology, the scale factor changes over time.
Proportionality constant; used when the scale factor is a constant of proportionality in equations.
The proportionality constant in this equation acts as a scale factor.
Scale of a map or drawing; specifically the reduction ratio. For enlargements, 倍尺 (ばいしゃく) is used but less common.
The scale of this map is 1:10,000.
Loanword for scale, often used in design, modeling, and casual contexts.
The scale of the model is 1/72.
We adjust the data using a seasonal adjustment factor.
Scaling coefficient; used in data normalization and econometrics.
Divide the variable by the scaling factor.
Enter the number to multiply this shape by 2.
Same as math term, but can be used in everyday contexts like enlarging photos.
Change the scale factor when printing the photo.