Carpentry & Building Construction © 2004

Reading a Ruler

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Carpentry jobs require using a ruler or steel tape to measure distance for width, length, height, or depth. A ruler is used for finding smaller distances. Carpenters use a steel tape to measure framing lumber, trim, or wall insulation. Inside measurements can be made accurately using the steel tape.

Distances are measured to the nearest 1/16th of an inch. To find a distance, first measure to the nearest foot. From there, measure to the nearest inch, and then to the nearest 1/16“. Reduce fractions of an inch to lowest terms. Lowest terms means that the numerator (top number) and the denominator (bottom number) cannot be divided by a common number. The fraction 6/8 is reduced to lowest terms, 3/4, by dividing the numerator and denominator by 2.

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Problem Exercises

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1.		The distance for A on the ruler is
			A)	4/8“
			B)	4/16“
			C)	1/2“
			D)	1/2'

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2.		The distance for B on the same ruler is
			A)	2 3/8“
			B)	2 1/2“
			C)	2 5/16“
			D)	2 3/16“

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3.		Before reducing to lowest terms, the distance for C on the ruler is
			A)	3/4“
			B)	3 3/4“
			C)	3 3/16“
			D)	3 12/16“

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4.		Measure distance D in lowest terms.
			A)	46' 1/4“
			B)	3' 10 1/4“
			C)	3' 10 4/16“
			D)	4' 10 4/16“

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5.		Find distance E and reduce the measurement to lowest terms.
			A)	42“
			B)	51“
			C)	4' 2''
			D)	4' 50''