Names of Tools Used to Measure Angles

Names of Tools Used to Measure Angles
••• Arman Zhenikeyev/iStock/Getty Images

The world is filled with angles. From the angle of a beam in a cross to the slope of a roof, you need tools to measure those angles with precision. Each profession has it own specialty tools to determine angles, but some are used in multiple trades and in the classroom. Choose the measuring tool that fits your application.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read)

T-squares, adjustable triangles, transit levels, protractors and set squares are some of the tools used to measure angles in architecture, surveying, geometry and carpentry.

Angles in Architecture

Architects drafting blueprints by hand for bridges or landscape design use a variety of tools to accurately measure distances and angles. Use a T-square to draw horizontal lines and measure 90-degree angles in relation to those lines. Use an adjustable triangle to measure angles between 0 and 90 degrees by placing it on the horizontal axis and adjusting the hinged edge till it lines up with the angled line you want to measure. If you need to copy an angle precisely, couple a compass with a ruler to measure the angle and draw an identical one.

Angles in Surveying

Surveyors use tools to measure horizontal and vertical angles in relation to the earth’s surface. A transit level has a movable telescope that is aimed at a rod to determine a horizontal level and the angle of inclination in degrees, minutes and seconds. This determines the grade of a roadway or the foundation of a home. Forestry professionals use a clinometer to calculate tree height from the angle formed between the clinometer and the tree. To measure the total height of a tree, look through the eyepiece of the clinometer at the highest tip of the tree then read the measurement on the dial. Add the measurement to the height from the instrument to the ground.

Angles in Geometry

In geometry class, a protractor is a ruler with a semicircle attached to it. Lay its straight edge on the horizontal side of an angle and read where the hypotenuse -- or angled side -- crosses the protractor to determine the angle in degrees. Lay a set square on an angle of 30, 45, 60 or 90 degrees to determine the degrees. The angle of the triangle is preset to 30, 60 and 90 degrees on one type, and its direction determines the degrees of angle. Use a second set square to measure 45 and 90 degree angles.

Angles in Carpentry

In carpentry, a speed square is a three-sided "square" with angle measurements from 0 to 60 marked on its diagonal side. Measure angles by laying it along a board's edge and reading the degrees of angle. Use a bevel protractor to measure the angle on the end of a board by rotating the adjustable arm on the protractor until it clamps down onto the wood. Simply read the degrees on the dial to know the angle the wood is cut at.

Related Articles

How to Calculate an Acre
How to Construct a Theodolite
How to Use a Protractor to Measure a Triangle
Instructions for Using a General Tools 17 Square Head...
How to Use a Bushnell Voyager Telescope
How to Read an Engineer Compass
How to Calculate Abutment & Wingwall Length
How to Measure an Angle Using a Protractor
How to Calculate Angles Without a Protractor
How to Calculate the Diameter of a Rectangle
How to Calculate Height
How to Calibrate Theodolite
Types of Protractors
How to Use a Protractor
How to Build a Goniometer
How to: Simple Homemade Sextant
Acute Angles in the Real World
How to Find the Radius of an Arc
How to Calculate an Acre

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!