How to Read a Ruler for Drafting

The type of ruler used by architects in the drafting process is known as a drafting scale. This tool is used to measure the lines that make up structures and buildings on a blueprint. Blueprints are designed to give builders all the information they need to build every wall of the structure to the appropriate height, length and other dimensions. Learning how to correctly read a drafting scale takes time and can be challenging for a beginner.

Blueprints
Drafting scale

Instructions

- 1
  Spread the blueprints for your project out on a large table. Look at the bottom of the plans and locate the "scale." This will tell you what side of the ruler you will need to use to get the proper measurements.
- 2
  Turn your ruler over until you get to the correct side or scale you need for this project. An example of one of the scales on the ruler is the side that is marked 1/4. This means that the marks on this side are laid out in 1/4-inch increments.
- 3
  Put the ruler down on the line you wish to measure on the blueprints. Locate the end of the line you need to measure. Put the zero end of the ruler against the end of the line.
- 4
  Read the measurement on the ruler. If the number is 15, this means that the line is equal to 15 feet. The measurement may only be a few inches from the zero mark, but when the measurement is translated according to the 1/4 scale, it equals a real-life measurement in feet.

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