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How to Read a Ruler Exactly

If you are having trouble determining an exact calculation on your ruler, then take a moment to make sure you are reading it properly. Learning to read a ruler is straightforward, but it takes patience and an eye for detail. You might want to measure your object several times to make sure you are getting the most precise calculation possible. Orient yourself with the ruler's attributes before launching your measuring tasks.

Instructions

- 1
  Observe your ruler. What kind of ruler is it? You will have either an Imperial (English) ruler or a Metric ruler. An Imperial ruler has 12 numerals, which represent inches, while a metric ruler more often has 14 numerals, which represent centimeters (cm).
- 2
  Count the vertical dashes in between two numerals. For example, count the number of dashes in between the 1 and 2 on the ruler. If you count seven vertical dashes, you have an Imperial ruler divided into 1/8-inch increments. If you count 15 vertical dashes, you have an Imperial ruler divided into 1/16-inch increments. If your ruler has 9 dashes between numbers, it's a metric ruler divided into increments of 1/10 cm.
- 3
  Add the dashes together to determine the exact measurement. For example, let us say your object measures 2 inches plus three dashes on a 1/8-inch Imperial ruler. You will add 1/8 three times to get 3/8. Your final measurement is 2 and 3/8 inches. Another example: Your object measures 3 centimeters and five dashes. Each dash on a metric ruler equals one millimeter (mm), or 1/10 cm. Add 1/10 five times. You will get 5/10, which reduces to 1/2. Your final calculation is 3.5 centimeters.

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