One of the commonly used measuring instruments is the ruler. There are various shapes, sizes and color of rulers available and the ruler chosen depends on the purpose needed. Examples of rulers available include a yard stick and a measuring tape; used for making clothes. Though the design of the ruler may be different, the basic function is still the same. The following instructions give simple ways of using any type of ruler.
- Obtain the correct ruler suitable for what is to be measured. For measuring distances in a book use a student’s ruler, while for getting the length of a fabric use seamstress or sewing tape. When making furniture, use a carpenter’s folding rule or tape measure to get the accurate size of the building materials.
- Decide on what to measure using the ruler. Figure out the distance or object between two points that need to be measured. Whether it is a drawing, string, wood or cloth.
- Place the starting point of the ruler at the point to be measured. Make sure the ruler start point begins at zero. For correct measurement the ruler should be placed from the left side of the object. Firmly secure the ruler to the object using the left hand to prevent it from sliding over.
- Move to the opposite end of the object being measured. Then, read the number on the ruler corresponding to the end of the distance being measured. The number read should include the whole units of the objects length for instance, 18 centimeters.
- If the read number extends further than the last whole number, measure the fraction marks (vertical lines between whole numbers). For instance if the ruler is marked in increments of 1/10 centimeters and if the fraction counted is 6 and then the length of the fraction will be 6/10 centimeters beyond the last whole number. If the whole number is 7, the total length will now be 7 and 6/10 centimeters.
- Use the tape measure to get the accurate distance between objects such as wall or timber. Place the start point or zero on the object and ask someone to assist in holding the tape in position. When the tape is firmly held, pull out the tape and proceed to the end of the object or until the desired length is reached. For a tape measure there are two sets of numbers, the larger number usually in feet and the smaller number in centimeters or inches. Read the larger number followed by the small number.
One of the commonly used measuring instruments is the ruler. There are various shapes, sizes and color of rulers available and the ruler chosen depends on the purpose needed. Examples of rulers available include a yard stick and a measuring tape; used for making clothes. Though the design of the ruler may be different, the basic function is still the same. The following instructions give simple ways of using any type of ruler.
- Obtain the correct ruler suitable for what is to be measured. For measuring distances in a book use a student’s ruler, while for getting the length of a fabric use seamstress or sewing tape. When making furniture, use a carpenter’s folding rule or tape measure to get the accurate size of the building materials.
- Decide on what to measure using the ruler. Figure out the distance or object between two points that need to be measured. Whether it is a drawing, string, wood or cloth.
- Place the starting point of the ruler at the point to be measured. Make sure the ruler start point begins at zero. For correct measurement the ruler should be placed from the left side of the object. Firmly secure the ruler to the object using the left hand to prevent it from sliding over.
- Move to the opposite end of the object being measured. Then, read the number on the ruler corresponding to the end of the distance being measured. The number read should include the whole units of the objects length for instance, 18 centimeters.
- If the read number extends further than the last whole number, measure the fraction marks (vertical lines between whole numbers). For instance if the ruler is marked in increments of 1/10 centimeters and if the fraction counted is 6 and then the length of the fraction will be 6/10 centimeters beyond the last whole number. If the whole number is 7, the total length will now be 7 and 6/10 centimeters.
- Use the tape measure to get the accurate distance between objects such as wall or timber. Place the start point or zero on the object and ask someone to assist in holding the tape in position. When the tape is firmly held, pull out the tape and proceed to the end of the object or until the desired length is reached. For a tape measure there are two sets of numbers, the larger number usually in feet and the smaller number in centimeters or inches. Read the larger number followed by the small number.
