In the book Fashion & Costume Design in Quarter Scale reference is made to scaling photographs and patterns up and down. This can be done from images saved as PDF files in Adobe Acrobat's Reader. In Acrobat Reader when you select the print function, there is an option to do a "Custom Scale" by specifying a percentage. Programs with CAD functions, such as Silouette's Studio program, also have an option to scale photographs and patterns using a percentage.

For both these options, you need to determine a percentage. The first form below calculates the percentage. Measure the image you want to scale, then indicate the new size you want the image to be and press the calculate button.

The second form calculates what a length should be for a given percentage. For example, the center back length is used to determine the size of the quarter-scale photographs. To scale a body measurement down for a Mini-Me, use 25%. To scale a Mini-Me back up to full size, use 400%.

These forms will not scale images using fractions such as 10-1/2. When you enter a value specify it as a decimal value: 10.5. The chart below shows the conversion of the fractions commonly used in pattern making.

This web page can also be displayed in a popup window that is reduced in size and can be moved on your screen as you use other programs.

Calculate Percentage

Calculate Length

Fraction Conversion