How to Use a Decimal Ruler (Inches)

There are two types of scales commonly used on rulers; Fractional and Decimal. Fractional Rulers have graduations or marks based on fractions, for example 1/2", 1/4" 1/8", 1/16", etc.. Decimal Rulers have graduations or marks which are based on the decimal system such as 0.1, 0.01, etc.

Decimal Rulers can be based on any measuring system but are usually based on either the English measurement system inches (in) or the Metric measurement system of millimeters (mm), centimeters (cm) and meters (m).

We discuss here, Decimal Rulers based on the English measurement system of Inches.

Decimal Rulers utilizing inches normally have marks or graduations of 0.1" (1/10") and 0.01" (1/100)", some rulers may also have 0.020" (1/50") graduations.

In the drawing below, we show a ruler with graduations or marks of 0.1" (1/10") and 0.01" (1/100").
Often you will encounter rulers that do not have a legend which identifies what decimal of an inch is utilized on the scale. The ruler below has a legend of 100 which indicates that the smallest graduation or mark is 0.01" (1/100"). If a ruler has no legend the smallest graduation of an inch will have to be calculated. Simply count the number of spaces between graduations or marks contained within a single inch. If there are 10 the smallest graduation or mark is 1/10” or 0.1” as a decimal. If there are 100 the smallest graduation or mark is 1/100" or 0.01" as a decimal, etc.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A WIDE VARIETY OF DECIMAL AND FRACTIONAL RULERS

‘Click here’ to view How To Read Decimal Rulers based on the Metric system

‘Click here’ to view How To Read Fractional Rulers based on the English (inch) system