How to Read an Architect Scale

The architect scale is one of the most basic and important tools of an architect. Though it may look like an intimidating tool for those who are not familiar, it can basically be described as a "multi-ruler" with several measurement scales ranging from 1/16" = 1' to 3" = 1'.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Architect scale Flat surface

1. Determine the scale of the drawing; this will usually be located near the title of the drawing.

2. Find the corresponding scale on your architect scale. If the scale factor on the drawing indicates " 1/8" = 1'-0" ", you will locate the 1/8 on the scale.

3. Lay down the scale on the drawing surface, lining up the "0" mark and measuring as you would with any other ruler.

4. Read the measurements from left to right; the ruler ticks are numbered so you will not have to do the conversion math.

5. Use the other scale factors on the ruler to better your understanding of scale conversions, once you feel comfortable measuring with an architect scale.

Tips & Warnings

• Notice that to the left of the "0" on every scale factor, there are smaller ticks; these are inch marks for the given scale. Practice by writing random lines on a blank sheet of paper and converting them using the various scale factors. It is always a good idea to double-check your measurements.
• Scale measurements go in both directions on each side of the ruler; pay extra attention to not read the conversion measurement for the opposite scale factor.