How to Read an Inch Ruler Properly

What do all those little tick marks mean anyway? Whether you fall into the parents or teacher category, this simple article will show you how to read an inch ruler.

Instructions

1. Whether you're at school or at home, find a ruler to use. Begin by setting up the inch ruler equal with whatever it is you wish to measure. Make sure the back of the ruler lines up with the object to be measured.

2. It's also important (especially to get the right inch ruler education) to make sure the inch ruler is straight so you get an accurate measurement.

3. Once you have the inch ruler lined up parallel, you're ready to read the measurement. Count the bold numbers to the last bold number before the length of the object.

4. There's one last step to read an inch ruler, you need to count the tick marks to the length of the object. Start with the bold number, and then count 1/16, 1/8 (or 2/16), 3/16, etc.

5. Count the number of tick marks to the object, and you have your measurement! Just to be safe, it's good to take the ruler off and measure a second time to double check.