Things You'll Need:
- Standard 12-inch ruler
-
Step 1
Lay a ruler out in front of you and locate the numerals 1 through 12 on the ruler. These numbers are set up in one-inch increments with the same markings between each numerical marking.
-
Step 2
Centered between each of the inch numbers, the next largest line is the 1/2 inch. You will see only one of these within the inch section, since two 1/2 inches makes one whole inch.
-
Step 3
Laid out between each of the 1/2-inch marks in the center, the next longest line is the 1/4-inch mark. There will be two of these in each inch, and the 1/2-inch line (as well as the 1-inch line) also can be considered a 1/4 inch as you are measuring, giving each inch four quarters.
-
Step 4
Standing in between each of the 1/4-inch marks is the 1/8-inch mark. These are the next longest lines and divide the inch into eight parts.
-
Step 5
Sitting in between each of the 1/8-inch marks are the smallest lines, which represent 1/16 inch. There are 16 of these inside one inch.
-
Step 6
Practice reading your ruler markings by following a couple examples: If you are looking at the 1/2-inch line that is between the 1- and 2-inch marks, it would be read as 1 1/2 inch, or if you were looking at the first 1/4-inch mark between the 4- and 5-inch marks, it would be read as 4 1/4 inches.
-
Step 7
Continue to practice recognizing the markings by starting with the largest markings and getting familiar with them, and then working your way down to the smallest markings.
