How to Use an Online Ruler

If you've misplaced your ruler and have no way of making a measurement, there's a simple solution to the problem. Various websites offer free online rulers to help you make measurements. When you need a quick way to measure a reasonable-size object, an online ruler might be the quickest and easiest solution.

Instructions

1. Ensure that you're just measuring an object of reasonable size. An online ruler, since it is no bigger than the size of your computer screen, won't help you measure long distances.

2. Decide if you can simply hold what you're measuring up to the computer screen or if you'd best measure it another way. If the object is small and lightweight and you trust yourself not to scratch the screen with it, you can simply hold the object up to the online ruler on the screen. Otherwise, another approach is necessary.

3. Make sure that your operating system has information on the type of monitor you're using. Online rulers use information about screen and pixel size to display the ruler using the correct proportions.

4. Adjust the size of your browser window accordingly as the ruler appears on screen.

5. Measure small, safe objects (that is, objects that are not a threat to your computer screen) by holding them up to the ruler. This is the fastest way to make a simple measurement.

6. Hold a piece of paper against the screen and gently draw the tick marks. Then, write the length values near each mark. You then have a portable ruler for measuring larger objects or for objects that could potentially damage the screen if handled improperly.

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of using pencil and paper for Step 6, you can simply print the ruler out if you know that your printer prints exactly what appears on the screen. If you're unsure, print out the ruler and compare with what's on the screen.

• For Step 6, the critical word is "gently." You can make darker marks later; when the paper is resting on your computer screen, don't press hard and scratch the screen.

• Don't simply assume that what's on the screen is accurate. For fine measurements, you need to verify that the ruler is accurate.

Resources

• Use on online ruler at iRuler.net.