The ruler is one of the most commonly used measuring tools. This object has a length and shape that varies depending on the intended use. For example, there is a yardstick which is a long ruler (3 feet or about 91cm), and there is a tape measure which is a type of ruler that is flexible and made of cloth or iron. But even though the shapes are different, the way to use all the rulers is more or less the same. Rulers and other measuring tools come with both standard and metric units, and it's important that you learn the differences between these units. This guide will explain the types of rulers and other measuring tools, how to read a ruler, and how to use them.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Recognizing Different Types of Rulers
Step 1. Know what a “ruler” is
A ruler is a measuring stick marked with units of length along the edge.
- Rulers can be made of plastic, cardboard, metal, or cloth. The unit mark is usually along the side.
- The units displayed can be in English units (inches) or metric units (cm).
- In Indonesia, a ruler for students usually has a length of approximately 30cm with units of measurement in cm and inches, and a sign for the length of a fraction or zero comma to get a more accurate measurement.
Step 2. Learn what a tape meter is
A tape measure is a long tape of fabric that is also marked with a number that represents the length in inches or cm.
- This tape can be wrapped around a person's body to measure the circumference of the chest, waist, neck, or other body circumference needed to sew clothes.
- This meter can also be used to measure lengths such as the length of the feet and hands.
- This meter can also be used to measure 3-dimensional objects that are curved or not straight.
Step 3. Know what a handyman's ruler is
This ruler is about 6 feet (about 182cm) long and can be folded to fit in a pocket or pocket.
- This ruler is also commonly called a stick ruler.
- Usually, this ruler can be folded in about 20cm.
- These rulers are usually measured in metric lengths (cm), feet, and inches, as well as fractions of inches per 1/16 inch.
Step 4. Look for and pay attention to the iron meter
Commonly called a handyman's meter or building's meter, this is a tape made of thin, flexible iron or glass fiber.
- This meter usually has a spring inside so that it can be pulled in automatically.
- This meter can also be stretched to 100 meters or more.
- Most metal meters display standard (inch) or metric (cm) units on one side.
Step 5. Know what a scale ruler is
This ruler does not display the distance measure, but will give the comparison distance of a measure ratio.
- This ruler has special markings that represent the ratio of sizes.
- For example, “1 inch equals 1 foot”.
- This ruler is used to draw blueprints or building plans to an accurate scale.
Method 2 of 4: Reading the Ruler with Standard Units (inches)
Step 1. Know how standard units work
Standard units are based on feet and inches.
- The inch is the standard unit for length.
- One foot equals 12 inches.
- Most rulers are about 12 inches long.
- A ruler that is longer, that is, 3 feet (or 36 inches) long is called a yardstick.
- Most countries now no longer use this standard unit and prefer to use the metric unit (cm).
Step 2. Find a marker for each inch on your ruler
This mark is usually an outline next to the number on the ruler.
- The distance from one outline to another is one inch.
- Most student rulers can measure up to 12 inches straight.
- You will need to take measurements accurately. Because of this, you need to know more than just where the marks per 1 inch are.
Step 3. Look for the sign for the length of zero comma or fraction
This mark will mark each length of zero comma or fraction to help you get the measurement result as accurate as possible.
- The smallest line between the marks per inch represents 1/16th of an inch.
- Lines greater than that represent 1/8 inch.
- The larger line represents 1/4 inch.
- An even larger line that is directly between the lines per 1 inch indicates 1/2 inch.
- You will need to measure as closely and accurately as possible to this fractional sign to get a precise and accurate measurement result.
Method 3 of 4: Reading the Ruler with Metric Units
Step 1. Understand what metric units are
Metric units are units used in the metric system.
- The larger metric unit is the meter. A meter is almost, but not the same as a yard (1 yard equals 91cm, or 0.91 meter).
- The primary units for the metric system of units are cm or centimeters.
- 100cm is equal to 1 meter.
Step 2. Find a line for each cm on your ruler
This sign is a long line with a number next to it.
- 1cm smaller than 1 inch. 1 inch equals 2.54cm.
- The distance between the two cm lines is 1 cm.
- Most standard rulers are 30cm long.
- The meter stick is 100cm long.
- cm stands for sentimental.
Step 3. Learn how to read smaller units
The smaller unit on the metric ruler is called the millimeter.
- The abbreviation for millimeter is mm.
- 10mm equals 1cm.
- In other words, 5mm equals 1/2 cm.
Step 4. Remember that each metric unit is a multiple of 10
This is an easy way to remember measurements in metric units.
- 100cm is equal to 1 meter.
- 10mm equals 1cm.
- The millimeter is the smallest unit on most metric rulers.
Method 4 of 4: Measuring Objects Using a Ruler
Step 1. Measure the length using a ruler or tape measure
Find the object or distance between two points that you want to measure.
- Lengths that can be measured include wood, thread, or cloth, or a line on a piece of paper.
- Rulers and yardsticks are better options for measuring on flat surfaces.
- If you're measuring someone for clothing, it's a good idea to use a flexible measuring tool like a tape measure.
- For long distances, you can use an iron meter.
Step 2. Place the zero mark on the end of your ruler right at the end of the object you are measuring
This zero point is usually to the left of the ruler.
- Make sure the tip of your ruler is exactly where you are measuring.
- Use your left hand to hold the object being measured.
- Use your right hand to adjust the tip of your ruler.
Step 3. Move to the opposite side of the object you are measuring
You will now read the ruler to find out how long the object you are measuring is.
- Read the last number on a ruler that is directly parallel to the end of the object you are measuring. This indicates the overall length of the object. For example 8 inches.
- Count the zero comma or fraction of the length of the object you are measuring if it passes exactly 1cm or 1 inch.
- For example, if the object you are measuring ends at the 1/8 inch mark past 5 marks from the 1 inch mark, you are 5/8 inch past the 8 inch mark. In other words, the length of the object you are measuring is 8 and 5/8 inches.
- Simplify the fraction if you can. For example, 4/16 inch equals 1/4 inch.
Step 4. Use the metric rule or decimal rule for the metric ruler
You will read lengths per 10 units, following the metric system.
- The largest marking line is read as 1cm. Find the closest cm line. That is the total length of the object. For example, 10cm.
- If the largest mark is read 1cm, the smaller mark next to it is read as millimeters (mm).
- Read how many lines or small marks passed after one unit to the end of the object you are measuring. For example, if the length of the object you are measuring is 10cm plus 8mm, then the length of the object you are measuring is 10.8cm.
Step 5. Use a metal tape measure to measure the distance between objects, for example, walls
A retractable metal tape measure is the best tool for measuring things like this.
- Place the zero end of the meter against one wall or have someone hold it down, then pull the tape measure until it reaches the other wall.
- On the meter, you should get two measurements, one in meters for the larger unit, or cm for the smaller unit.
- Read the meter first, then the cm, then the fraction.
- For example, the distance you get may be 3 meters and 16.3cm.
Step 6. Use your 30cm ruler (or other measuring tool like yardstick) to draw straight lines
You can also use a ruler to draw straight lines for fine art or geometry.
- Place the ruler on the surface you want to draw, then place the tip of the pencil on the edge of the ruler.
- Use the ruler as a guide to draw straight lines.
- Hold the ruler so that the line you draw is perfectly straight.
Tips
- The types of rulers above are the most commonly used types of rulers.
- Rulers can be made of plastic or wood and are usually used for homework or any other purpose for drawing and measuring lines.
