How to Use an Architect's Rule
Blueprints are not drawn to size; they are are reduced by a specific ratio. Architects use scale rules to help them find the dimensions on these drawings without having to use much math. It takes some time to learn to use an architect's scale rule, but once you've mastered the took it will be easy to read blueprints.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Learn how to read the architect's scale rule. Start at the zero on a particular scale. The foot divisions are the longer marks that go in one direction; the inch divisions are the smaller marks that go in the opposite direction.
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2
Locate the scale on your blueprint. The scale is typically located in the lower left-hand corner and will read something like 3/8" = 1 foot.
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3
Find the correct scale on the 3-sided architect's rule. Locate the zero for the scale you plan to use.
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4
Line up the zero on the scale rule with the line on the blueprint you want to measure. Put the zero on the left side of the line. Note how many feet divisions your line takes up. As an example, we'll use three.
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5
Move the architect's scale rule. Place the line indicating the number of feet-three in our example--sit on the right-most end of the line you are measuring.
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6
Look at the inch divisions. Count how many inch divisions go from the zero to the left-most part of the line. As an example, we'll use six.
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7
Determine the actual length of the line. In our example, the actual length of the line you just measured is 3'6".
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1
Tips & Warnings
Use the correct scale on the architect's rule or every measurement will be off.
