How to Use an Architect's Scale Ruler

Sturdy Measuring Tools

Anyone working on architectural drawings needs to have sturdy measuring tools that are especially designed to create blueprints. Architects have scale rulers to make correct measurements on their drawings to ensure buildings are constructed properly. Regular practice sessions using this intricate device are vital for architectural students to learn how to use it quickly while making precise measurements to create blueprints at work.

Measuring Feet or Inches

The primary purpose of this instrument is to measure several units of length to help construction workers cut pieces of wall or pipe when building a structure. In the United States, this measuring device has inches or feet to create a blueprint while in other countries it has metric units. Most of these rulers are made of metal, plastic or wood in a triangular shape to flip or turn the devices to make numerous measurements. The end of the ruler is labeled with the particular type of measurement to help an architect move the device quickly to the correct position.

Use Special Architectural Paper

Architects typically use extremely large sheets of durable paper to create blueprints or schematics. The first thing to do is line up the ruler on the sheet of paper to make a mark with a pencil where the zero is located. Next, decide how long the wall or floor in the building needs to be before making another mark. In this case, a wall that is 8-feet high is represented by an 8-inch mark on the paper. By using the edge of the ruler, an architect can make a straight line with the pencil that connects the two marks.

Tiny Measurement Increments

By continually turning the ruler to different sides, it is possible to find tiny measurement increments to make very precise drawings. After all of the pencil lines are 100 percent accurate, the architect goes back over the lines with an indelible ink pen to make the drawing easier to view. Architects have scale rulers along with other important tools of their trade stored in locked drawers of drafting tables that are located in offices.