A method for the scaling down of data is provided. At least two blocks of transformed data samples representing at least two blocks of original data samples are received. One of at least two tables of constants is selected wherein each table of constants is capable of reducing the number of transformed data samples by a different factor. The constants taken from the selected table are applied to the at least two blocks of transformed data samples to produce one block of transformed data samples representing one block of final data samples. The data is processed one dimension at a time by multiplying the data in one dimension with selected constants taken from previously developed tables corresponding to the desired scale down factor. Scaling down by different factors in each dimension as well as scaling down in one dimension and scaling up in the other dimension may be achieved. In addition, the de-quantization of the quantized transform coefficients may be accomplished by pre-multiplication of the selected constants when the quantization values are known. In a similar way the re-quantization may be accomplished by a pre-division of the selected constants. Both de-quantization and re-quantization may be combined when the input quantized transform coefficients and output quantized transform coefficients are desired.