Text height scaling in CAD: For room names on a drawing that will be plotted at a scale of 1/4 inch = 1 foot 0 inches, what should the model-space text height be set to so the plotted paper height equals 1/8 inch?

Introduction / Context:
Readable text size on plotted drawings is essential. In model-space workflows, text height must be scaled so that, after plotting at a given scale, the on-paper height meets office standards (commonly 1/8 inch for room names).

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Desired plotted text height for room names: 1/8 inch on paper.
• Plot scale: 1/4 inch = 1 foot 0 inches.
• Model space is full size; we must compute the model-space height.

Concept / Approach:

Use scale factor. For 1/4 inch = 1 foot, 1 inch on paper equals 4 feet in model. Therefore the scale factor from paper to model is 48 (because 1/4 inch per foot implies 12 inches/0.25 inch = 48 model units per paper inch when model units are inches). Model text height must equal paper height * scale factor.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

If plotted at 1/4 inch scale, 6 inches in model appears as 6/48 = 0.125 inch on paper, which matches the target 1/8 inch standard text height.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

4" or 5": Would plot smaller than 1/8 inch, reducing legibility.

8": Would plot at 8/48 = 1/6 inch, larger than typical room name standards and may clutter drawings.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing model units (inches) with architectural feet-inches or using viewport scaling incorrectly. Always compute H_model = H_paper * scale factor.

Final Answer:

6"