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How to Use a Type-E Scale Ruler

An engineering scale, or E-scale-type ruler is made up of three separate rulers, each one with four scales. This type of ruler is used for measurements on scaled-down drawings in engineering or architecture. Unless you are familiar with the E scale, using this type of ruler can be confusing and can lead to mistakes.

Things You'll Need

  • E-scale-type ruler
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Instructions

    • 1

      Identify the scale of the drawing. This should be outlined in a key in one of the corners of the drawing.

    • 2

      Determine the type of drawing you are looking at. The E-scale you use will depend on whether the drawing is architectural or an engineering piece. The architecture scale is labeled in fractions, for example 3/32, 3/16, 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/2, 3 and 16. The engineering scale is labeled with ratios, for example 1:20, 1:25, 1:50, 1:75, 1:100 and 1:125.

    • 3

      Check that the drawing has been printed to scale correctly by comparing the E-scale to the drawing. Ensure that you are using the engineering scale for an engineering drawing, and the architectural scale for an architectural drawing. If the scale on the drawing matches the scale on the ruler, then the drawing has been printed correctly.

    • 4

      Measure lines on the drawing by placing the top of the ruler, marked 0, next to the beginning of a line, and recording the marking on the ruler at the point the line ends. Ensure that you are using the correct E-scale when taking the measurements.

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