Get tips for reading ruler measurements.
You probably learned how to use a ruler back in your school days, when you used one to draw margins or all kinds of lines. You also learned about different scales for measuring length or distance, etc. You've probably even learned how to make fun crafts using a ruler. A ruler or a tape measure is a useful device for measuring lengths. Knowing how to use and read units of measurement is a basic skill with uses in various applications, including building, manufacturing, creating objects such as furniture, and measuring for interiors. Listed below are some easy guidelines on how to read and use a ruler.
Step 1
Scales of measurement. Every ruler has two sides, each showing a scale of measurement. You need to know how to read both sides. On one side, you will find the metric system for marking length; on the other side is the English scale. The metric scale measures length or distance in millimeters and centimeters, whereas the English scale uses inches and feet.
Step 2
Using the metric scale. Let's talk about metric measurements first. A standard ruler is usually about a foot long, or in metric terms, about 30 centimeters. You will find the ruler marked with lines designated by numbers from 1 to 30, and between each set of numbers are smaller lines that indicate millimeters. Ten millimeters (or mm) equal 1 centimeter (or cm), 100 cm equal 1 meter, and so on. To measure the length between two points on paper or another medium, place the ruler with the first centimeter line (which can be labeled as zero) on the first point. Note the number on the ruler that corresponds to the second point. For example, if one point is placed against the zero mark and the second point shows a reading of 3, then the distance in centimeters between the two points is 3 cm. If the point is placed beyond 3 but still before the line depicting 4, count the smaller lines that show the millimeter scale and note the line on which the point rests—say, at the 5th small line. In that case, the distance between the two points is 3.5 cm, or 35 mm.
Step 3
Using the English scale. The other side of the ruler measures length in feet and inches. This is the ruler measurement scale used in the United States. One foot equals 12 inches, and between each inch are smaller markings in sets of eight. These are referred to as eighths of an inch. Following the same instructions as in Step 2, you can find the distance in inches and eighths of inches. Using the same two points in the example above, the length will read as 1 2/8 in.
Step 4
Important tips. While using and reading a ruler, make sure that you place and hold it firmly against paper or another medium. Always keep it in a straight line, whether you place it horizontally or vertically. To validate your measurements, you can always record readings in both centimeters and inches and divide the metric measurement by 2.54. If the reading you've taken is accurate, the quotient of this division will equal the number of inches you've measured.
You now know how easy it is to read measurements on a ruler. You can use the same system when measuring larger lengths, but in those instances, the measurements will move into meters and feet.
Reading a Ruler: Units of Measurement on a Ruler
Get tips for reading ruler measurements.
You probably learned how to use a ruler back in your school days, when you used one to draw margins or all kinds of lines. You also learned about different scales for measuring length or distance, etc. You've probably even learned how to make fun crafts using a ruler. A ruler or a tape measure is a useful device for measuring lengths. Knowing how to use and read units of measurement is a basic skill with uses in various applications, including building, manufacturing, creating objects such as furniture, and measuring for interiors. Listed below are some easy guidelines on how to read and use a ruler.
Step 1
Scales of measurement. Every ruler has two sides, each showing a scale of measurement. You need to know how to read both sides. On one side, you will find the metric system for marking length; on the other side is the English scale. The metric scale measures length or distance in millimeters and centimeters, whereas the English scale uses inches and feet.
Step 2
Using the metric scale. Let's talk about metric measurements first. A standard ruler is usually about a foot long, or in metric terms, about 30 centimeters. You will find the ruler marked with lines designated by numbers from 1 to 30, and between each set of numbers are smaller lines that indicate millimeters. Ten millimeters (or mm) equal 1 centimeter (or cm), 100 cm equal 1 meter, and so on. To measure the length between two points on paper or another medium, place the ruler with the first centimeter line (which can be labeled as zero) on the first point. Note the number on the ruler that corresponds to the second point. For example, if one point is placed against the zero mark and the second point shows a reading of 3, then the distance in centimeters between the two points is 3 cm. If the point is placed beyond 3 but still before the line depicting 4, count the smaller lines that show the millimeter scale and note the line on which the point rests—say, at the 5th small line. In that case, the distance between the two points is 3.5 cm, or 35 mm.
Step 3
Using the English scale. The other side of the ruler measures length in feet and inches. This is the ruler measurement scale used in the United States. One foot equals 12 inches, and between each inch are smaller markings in sets of eight. These are referred to as eighths of an inch. Following the same instructions as in Step 2, you can find the distance in inches and eighths of inches. Using the same two points in the example above, the length will read as 1 2/8 in.
Step 4
Important tips. While using and reading a ruler, make sure that you place and hold it firmly against paper or another medium. Always keep it in a straight line, whether you place it horizontally or vertically. To validate your measurements, you can always record readings in both centimeters and inches and divide the metric measurement by 2.54. If the reading you've taken is accurate, the quotient of this division will equal the number of inches you've measured.
You now know how easy it is to read measurements on a ruler. You can use the same system when measuring larger lengths, but in those instances, the measurements will move into meters and feet.
Reading a Ruler: Units of Measurement on a Ruler
By Howtodotips
Get tips for reading ruler measurements.