The first grid line to the left of the ruler will have the number 1/16 on it. The 1/16 inch line is marked in the middle between the 1/8 inch line. For example, if you want to measure a piece of fabric, let’s say that its end has passed a 4 inch grid and ended between the 6th line, the 1/4 inch line and the 1/2 inch line.A total of 96 1/8 inch lines are marked on a 12 inch ruler. The 1/8 inch line is the shortest line between the 1/4 inch lines. For example, if you measure the length of a carrot, and the end ends halfway between the 6 and 1/2 lines, and the 7 inch line, the length of the carrot is 6 and 3/4 inches.ĥ.There are a total of 48 1/4 inch lines on a 12 inch ruler. Because half an inch equals 2/4 inch and 4/4 inch equals 1 inch. The 1/2 inch and 1 inch are already drawn with grid lines, but these are part of the 1/4 inch scale. The first inch will have 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 1 inch written. There will be a shorter 1/4 inch dimension line halfway between the 1/2 inch lines. If the tip of the pencil ends on a relatively short line located halfway between 4 and 5 inches, the pencil is 4 and 1/2 inches long.Ĥ. Mark on the ruler where the tip of the pencil ends. For example, place the pencil on the ruler and the eraser to the far left of the ruler.Overall, there are a total of 24 1/2 inch lines on a 12 inch ruler. It represents the length between 0 and 1 inch, between 1 and 2 inches, between 2 and 3 inches, and so on. Half the length of the dimension line in inches. The 1/2 inch lines are the second longest lines. Therefore, be sure to find the largest written number and the longest grid line.ģ. If the nail ends on the long grid line just next to the large number 5, the nail is 5 inches long. For example, if you want to measure the length of your nails, put one end to the left of the ruler. Usually, a number is written on the ruler and is represented by the longest grid line on the ruler. The end of the object should be on the left line and it will give you the dimensions in inches.Ģ. If you are measuring it, align it with the number 0 at the far left of the ruler.

When reading the ruler, try to read it from left to right.

As the unit dimension decreases from 1 inch to 1/16 of an inch, the length of the line also decreases.

The longer the line above the ruler, the larger the dimension.

Each inch is divided into 15 smaller parts, and each inch has a total of 16 lines. If there are 12 lines on the ruler that represent inches, you know that it is an inch ruler. Once you understand the basics below, you shouldn’t have any problems measuring whatever ruler scale you use.

Reading a ruler with small lines can be daunting at first, but it’s actually simple. There are two types of rulers: an inch ruler with partial fractions, and a metric ruler with decimal.

How to read a metric scale ruler