Mapping and

the map() function

Moving numbers from one range
to another in proportion
 Spoiler Alert:
It’s just math.
It sets a proportion.
Proportion 3 x
A ratio.
-- = -- 3 (10) = 5x

A fraction.
5 10

x=6
The concept of mapping: connect two number lines
Input Range Output Range
1023 maps to 255
1023

512 maps to 128

255
0 maps to 0

512 128

0
A realistic example 145 x
An analogRead() function call gives
------- = ----
you a value in the range of 0-1023 - 1023 255
You want to convert that to the range
of 0-255

First, let’s use a concrete value such

as 145 x = 36
In code, you won’t
know the value …
it’s read in real
time

Read voltage input from A0

inputValue=analogRead(A0);
A numeric integer value (0-1023)
gets assigned to the inputValue
Variable outputValue=(inputValue+255)/1023;
Math occurs

The result of the math expression is assigned to

the outputValue variable
The same, BEFORE:
with the map()
inputValue=analogRead(A0);
function
Take the ORIGINAL VALUE outputValue=(inputValue+255)/1023;

Convert FROM this range AFTER:

Convert TO this range inputValue=analogRead(A0);

outputValue=map(inputValue,0,1023,0,255);
The map() function returns an integer value to be
assigned to the outputValue variable.
Especially useful when you don’t always start at 0
Analog input is in the 0-1023 range

Our Servos operate from about 16

degrees to 180 degrees. servoAngle=map( inputValue, ???, ???, ???, ??? );

(0-15 are “slow motion” angles and

don’t work like the rest - trust me on
this one)

servoAngle=map( inputValue, 0, 1023, 16, 180 );

The same graphic for a more complex mapping:
16 to 180 Input Range Output Range
1023 maps to 180
1023

512 maps to 98
180
0 maps to 16

512 98

16

0
In conclusion: the map() function
Syntax:

map( original_value, orig_low, orig_high, new_low, new_high );

Example (return value assigned to int variable):

x = map( value, 0, 1023, 0, 255 );