McMaster-Carr logo
    Filter by
    System of Measurement
    Graduation Type
    Graduation Color
    Export Control Classification Number (ECCN)
    Industrial Info Snippet
    DFARS Specialty Metals
    Hole Diameter
    Backing Material
    Manufacturer Model Number
    Manufacturer
    Specifications Met
    Forward
    Enter e-mail addresses in the fields below
    Message
    Cancel
    Print
    How can we improve?
    Comments
    E-mail address (if you would like a response)
    56 Products
    About High-Quality Rulers
    industrial info icon

    What separates a throwaway ruler from one you’ll keep for decades, which type is best for everyday use, and how to compare materials.

    Rulers

    Your go-to rulers for everyday measuring. Whether metal for durability or wood for a classic feel, our rulers measure up to most tasks, from woodwork to textiles to rough machining.
    Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel
    Image of Product. Front orientation. Rulers. Rulers, Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel.
    Our most corrosion-resistant rulers. These rulers won't rust when rinsed, rained on, or wiped down with degreasers or cleaning solutions. They're hardened to prevent dents and scratches, so you can trust they'll last for years to come. Etched and filled with black ink, their graduations won't rub off like printed graduations can.
    Calibration Certificate—When precision measurements are required for quality control or by regulation, use a ruler that includes a calibration certificate traceable to NIST. The certificate states that the ruler has passed a test for accuracy, so you can be confident your measurements are correct and consistent.
    Length—For easy handling and storage, rulers that are 96" or longer come in multiple pieces that line up to create a complete ruler.
    Rulers
    Rulers with
    Calibration Certificate
    Lg.
    Front Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Back Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Wd.
    Thk.
    Each
    Each
    Inch
     
    Left-to-Right Reading Direction
    24"1/64" (8/64"), 1/32" (4/32")1/16" (1/8"), 1/8" (1/8")1"1/32"———00000000000000000
    24"1/16" (1"), 1/100" (1/10")1/32" (4/32"), 1/64" (8/64")1"1/32"0000000000000000000000000000
    24"1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")—1 1/4"1/32"00000000000000000000000000
    24"1/10" (1/10"), 1/10" (1/10")—1"1/32"00000000000000000000000000
     
    Inch/Metric
     
    Left-to-Right Reading Direction
    24"/600 mm1/32" (1"), 1/16" (1")1 mm (10 mm), 1 mm (10 mm)1"1/32"00000000000000000000000000
    24"/600 mm1/32" (1"), 1 mm (10 mm)—1"1/32"———00000000000000
    24"/600 mm1/32" (1"), 1 mm (10 mm)1/10" (1"), 1/12" (1")1 1/4"1/32"000000000000000000000000000
     
    Right-to-Left Reading Direction
    24"/600 mm1/32" (1"), 1/16" (1")1 mm (10 mm), 1 mm (10 mm)1"1/32"———0000000000000000
     
    Stainless Steel with Antislip Backing
    Image of Product. Front orientation. ZoomedIn view. Rulers. Rulers, Stainless Steel with Antislip Backing.
    Image of Product. Antislip Backing. Back orientation. ZoomedIn view. Rulers. Rulers, Stainless Steel with Antislip Backing.

    Antislip Backing

    A cork backing grips the surface beneath these rulers, preventing them from sliding around and scratching delicate material. Made of stainless steel, these rulers won't rust when splashed with water or wiped down with degreasers or cleaning solutions. They're hardened to prevent dents and scratches, so you can trust they'll last for years to come. Etched and filled with black ink, their graduations won't rub off like printed graduations can.
    Rulers
    Lg.
    Front Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Front First Inch Graduations
    (Numeric Graduations)
    Wd.
    Thk.
    Each
    Inch
     
    Left-to-Right Reading Direction
    24"1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1/32" (1"), 1/32" (1")1 1/8"1/16"0000000000000
     
    Inch/Metric
     
    Left-to-Right Reading Direction
    24"/600 mm1/16" (1"), 1 mm (10 mm)—1 1/8"1/16"000000000000
     
    Lightweight Aluminum
    Image of Product. Front orientation. ZoomedIn view. Rulers. Rulers, Lightweight Aluminum.
    Our economical option. These rulers are about as lightweight as plastic rulers, so they're convenient to carry from site to site. Although light, they're not flimsy—they resist snapping if knocked around in your toolbox. Plus, they'll keep their bright finish if frequently rinsed.
    Length—For easy handling and storage, 4 meter rulers come in two pieces that line up to create a complete ruler.
    Rulers
    Lg.
    Front Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Wd.
    Thk.
    Each
    Inch
     
    Left-to-Right Reading Direction
    24"1/10" (1"), 1/10" (1/10")1"3/64"0000000000000
    24"1/8" (1"), 1/16" (1")1 1/4"1/16"00000000000
     
    Inch/Metric
     
    Left-to-Right Reading Direction
    24"/60 cm1 mm (1 cm), 1/16" (1")1 3/8"3/64"00000000000
     
    Heavy Duty Steel
    Image of Product. Front orientation. ZoomedIn view. Rulers. Rulers, Steel.
    Our strongest rulers for your toughest industrial jobs, from building heavy machinery to processing raw materials. These rulers resist nicks and dents, so they’ll measure accurately even after hard hits and drops. However, they’ll weigh down your tool belt more than aluminum and stainless steel rulers will. Bold, deeply etched, and blackened with ink, their graduations are easy to read and won’t rub off like printed graduations can.
    Rulers
    Lg.
    Front Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Back Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Wd.
    Thk.
    Each
    Inch
     
    Left-to-Right Reading Direction
    24"1/8" (1"), 1/16" (1")1/8" (1"), 1/16" (1")1 1/4"1/16"000000000000
     

    High-Accuracy Rulers

    With tolerances tight enough for machining detailed parts, these rulers are the most accurate we offer. They're also the most precise, with graduations as small as 1/64", so you can trust them for even the tiniest dimensions. Also known as machinists' rules.
    All are precision made and etched in the U.S. to meet federal standards. Made of tempered steel for extra strength, they keep their shape even after multiple hard hits and drops, so they'll measure accurately for years to come. Their graduations are deeply engraved and blackened with ink, meaning they won't rub off like printed graduations can.
    Satin Chrome-Plated Steel
    Image of Product. Front orientation. Rulers. High-Accuracy Rulers, Chrome-Plated Steel.
    Tough enough to handle most tasks, these rulers are chrome plated to resist rust. Their satin finish reduces glare for easy reading.
    Starrett Rulers—These rulers are manufactured by Starrett, one of the most trusted names for precision measuring tools.
    Calibration Certificate—When precision measurements are required for quality control or by regulation, use a ruler that includes a calibration certificate traceable to NIST. The certificate states that the ruler has passed a test for accuracy, so you can be confident your measurements are correct and consistent.
    Rulers
    Rulers with
    Calibration Certificate
    Lg.
    Front Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Back Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Accuracy
    Wd.
    Thk.
    Mfr. Model
    No.
    Each
    Each
    Inch
     
    Rulers
    24"1/64" (8/64"), 1/32" (4/32")1/8" (1"), 1/16" (1")-0.0035" to 0.007"3/4"1/64"—0000000000000———0
    24"1/32" (4/32"), 1/64" (8/64")1/50" (1/10"), 1/100" (1/10")-0.0035" to 0.007"3/4"1/64"—000000000000———0
    24"1/32" (4/32"), 1/64" (8/64")1/50" (1/10"), 1/100" (1/10")-0.0035" to 0.007"1 1/8"3/64"—000000000000———0
    24"1/32" (4/32"), 1/64" (8/64")1/10" (1/10"), 1/100" (1/10")-0.0035" to 0.007"3/4"1/64"—00000000000000000000000000
    24"1/32" (4/32"), 1/64" (8/64")1/10" (1/10"), 1/100" (1/10")-0.0035" to 0.007"1 1/8"3/64"—0000000000000000000000000
    24"1/32" (4/32"), 1/64" (8/64")1/8" (1"), 1/16" (1")-0.0035" to 0.007"1 1/8"3/64"—0000000000000000000000000
     
    Starrett Rulers
    24"1/64" (8/64"), 1/32" (4/32")1/8" (1"), 1/16" (1")-0.0035" to 0.007"1 1/4"3/64"C604R-2400000000000000000000000000
    24"1/32" (4/32"), 1/64" (8/64")1/10" (1/10"), 1/100" (1/10")-0.0035" to 0.007"3/4"1/64"C305R-24000000000000———0
     
    Inch/Metric
    24"/600 mm1/32" (4/32"), 1/64" (8/64")0.5 mm (10 mm), 1 mm (10 mm)-0.0035" to 0.007"/-0.09 mm to 0.18 mm3/4"1/64"—000000000000———0
    24"/600 mm1/32" (4/32"), 1/64" (8/64")0.5 mm (10 mm), 1 mm (10 mm)-0.0035" to 0.007"/-0.09 mm to 0.18 mm1 1/8"3/64"—0000000000000000000000000
     

    Easy-Read Rulers

    From bright outdoor jobsites to dimly lit workshops, take measurements where standard metal rulers would be hard to see. The black finish on these rulers reduces glare, while the light-colored graduations pop against the dark background.
    Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel
    Image of Product. Front orientation. Rulers. Easy-Read Rulers.
    Our most corrosion-resistant rulers. These rulers won't rust when rinsed, rained on, or wiped down with degreasers or cleaning solutions. They're hardened to prevent dents and scratches, so you can trust they'll last for years to come. Etched into the material, their graduations won't rub off like printed graduations can.
    Lg.
    Front Top Graduations
    (Numeric Graduations)
    Front Bottom Graduations
    (Numeric Graduations)
    Back Top Graduations
    (Numeric Graduations)
    Back Bottom Graduations
    (Numeric Graduations)
    Thk.
    Wd.
    Graduation
    Color
    Each
    Inch
     
    Left-to-Right Reading Direction
    24"1/32" (4/32")1/64" (8/64")1/100" (1/10")1/10" (1/10")1/64"3/4"White0000000000000
    24"1/32" (4/32")1/64" (8/64")1/100" (1/10")1/10" (1/10")1/32"1 3/16"White0000000000000
    24"1/32" (4/32")1/64" (8/64")1/8" (1")1/16" (1")1/64"3/4"White000000000000
    24"1/32" (4/32")1/64" (8/64")1/8" (1")1/16" (1")1/32"1 3/16"White0000000000000
     
    Lightweight Aluminum
    Image of Product. Front orientation. Rulers. Easy-Read Rulers.
    Our economical option. These rulers are about as lightweight as plastic rulers, so they’re convenient to carry from site to site. To keep them looking like new, an anodized coating guards them from daily wear and protects their finish if rinsed or rained on. Etched into the material, their graduations won't rub off like printed graduations can.
    Lg.
    Front Top Graduations
    (Numeric Graduations)
    Front Bottom Graduations
    (Numeric Graduations)
    Thk.
    Wd.
    Graduation
    Color
    Each
    Inch
     
    Left-to-Right Reading Direction
    24"1/16" (1")—3/32"1"Silver0000000000000
    24"—1/16" (1")3/32"1"Silver000000000000
     
    Right-to-Left Reading Direction
    24"1/16" (1")—3/32"1"Silver0000000000000
    24"—1/16" (1")3/32"1"Silver0000000000000
     

    Rulers for Cutting

    Don't nick your fingers while measuring and cutting straight lines. These rulers have either a safety guard or groove to keep your fingers out of the way. A rubber backing grips the surface beneath them, so they won't slide around.
    With Finger Groove
    Image of ProductInUse. Front orientation. Rulers. Rulers for Cutting, With Finger Groove.
    Image of Product. Front orientation. Rulers. Rulers for Cutting, With Finger Groove.
    Place your fingers in the groove to prevent them from slipping over the edge as you cut. These rulers are typically used with precision knives.
    Lg.
    Front Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Front First Inch Graduations
    (Numeric Graduations)
    Wd.
    Thk.
    Material
    Color
    Each
    Inch
     
    Left-to-Right Reading Direction
    24"1/16" (1")1/32" (1")1 17/32"7/32"AluminumSilver0000000000000
     
    With Safety Guard
    Image of ProductInUse. Front orientation. Rulers. Rulers for Cutting, With Safety Guard.
    Image of Product. Front orientation. Rulers. Rulers for Cutting, With Safety Guard.
    These rulers have a barrier that blocks your fingers from the knife as you cut. They're safer to use with box cutters than rulers with a finger groove.
    Lg.
    Front Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Wd.
    Thk.
    Material
    Color
    Each
    Inch
     
    Left-to-Right Reading Direction
    24"1/8" (1"), 1/16" (1")2"3/16"AluminumOrange0000000000000
     

    Center-Finding Rulers

    Quickly locate the center of workpieces without any math. Just align these rulers so that the same measurement appears on both sides of the object—zero marks your center.
    Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel
    Image of Product. Front orientation. Rulers. Center-Finding Rulers.
    These rulers won't rust when rinsed, rained on, or wiped down with degreasers or cleaning solutions. They're hardened to prevent dents and scratches, so you can trust they'll last for years to come. Etched and filled with black ink, their graduations won't rub off like printed graduations can.
    Rulers
    Lg.
    Front Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Back Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Wd.
    Thk.
    Each
    Inch
     
    Left-to-Right Reading Direction/Right-to-Left Reading Direction
    24"1/16" (1"), 1/32" (1")—1 1/4"1/32"0000000000000
     
    Inch/Metric
     
    Left-to-Right Reading Direction/Right-to-Left Reading Direction
    24"/60 cm1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1 mm (1 cm), 1 mm (1 cm)1 1/4"1/32"000000000000
     

    Starrett High-Accuracy Combination Square Blades

    Image of Product. Inch. Front orientation. ZoomedIn view. Contains Annotated, MultipleImages. Combination Square Blades. Starrett High-Accuracy Combination Square Blades, 4/32" Numeric Graduations.

    Inch

    Use these blades with Starrett High-Accuracy Combination Square Heads. They meet Fed. Spec. GGG-R-791, which establishes uniform standards for accuracy, graduations, and size. Blades are labeled with numeric increments that are less than 1" for quick reading. All have a corrosion-resistant satin chrome-plated finish that reduces glare and wear-resistant etched markings.
    Graduation
    Lg.
    Front Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Back Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Lg. Accuracy
    Wd.
    Thk.
    Color
    Color
    Type
    Each
    Inch
     
    Satin Chrome-Plated Steel
    24"1/32" (4/32"), 1/64" (8/64")1/8" (1"), 1/16" (1")-0.0035" to 0.007"1"3/32"SilverBlackEtched00000000000000
    24"1/32" (4/32"), 1/64" (8/64")1/50" (1/10"), 1/100" (1/10")-0.0035" to 0.007"1"3/32"SilverBlackEtched0000000000000
     

    Vertical Rulers

    No need to read sideways when measuring height and depth—the numbers on these rulers are printed from bottom to top or top to bottom.
    Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel with Easy-Align Hook End
    Image of Product. Front orientation. ZoomedIn view. Rulers. Vertical Rulers, Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel with Easy-Align Hook End.
    Similar to a tape measure, these rulers have a hook on one end to catch the edge of an object, keeping them straight as you measure. They're crafted from a single piece of metal, ensuring the hook always stays aligned with the scale.
    Made of stainless steel, these rulers won't rust when rinsed, rained on, or wiped down with degreasers or cleaning solutions. They're hardened to prevent dents and scratches, so you can trust they'll last for years to come. Etched and filled with black ink, their graduations won't rub off like printed graduations can.
    Rulers
    Lg.
    Front Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Back Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Wd.
    Thk.
    Each
    Inch/Metric
     
    Top-to-Bottom Reading Direction
    24"/60 cm1/32" (1"), 1 mm (1 cm)1 mm (1 cm), 1/32" (1")13/16"1/32"00000000000000
     

    Magnetic High-Accuracy Rulers

    Take machine-shop-accurate measurements while keeping your hands free. These rulers have magnets on both ends to cling to most metallic surfaces. Also known as machinists’ rules, they have the tightest tolerances we offer. They’re also our most precise, with graduations as small as 1/64", so you can trust them for even the tiniest dimensions.
    All are precision made and etched in the U.S. to meet federal standards. Made of tempered steel for extra strength, they keep their shape even after multiple hard hits and drops, so they'll measure accurately for years to come. Their graduations are deeply engraved and blackened with ink, meaning they won't rub off like printed graduations can.
    Satin Chrome-Plated Steel
    Image of Product. Front orientation. ZoomedIn view. Contains Annotated, MultipleImages. Rulers. Magnetic High-Accuracy Rulers.
    Tough enough to handle most tasks, these rulers are chrome plated to resist rust. Their satin finish reduces glare for easy reading.
    Rulers
    Lg.
    Front Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Back Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Accuracy
    Wd.
    Thk.
    Each
    Inch
    24"1/64" (8/64"), 1/32" (4/32")1/8" (1"), 1/16" (1")-0.0035" to 0.007"1 1/8"3/64"0000000000000
     
    Inch/Metric
    24"/600 mm1/32" (4/32"), 1/64" (8/64")0.5 mm (10 mm), 1 mm (10 mm)-0.0035" to 0.007"/-0.09 mm to 0.18 mm1 1/8"3/64"000000000000
     

    Pica Rulers

    Measure text, columns, margins, and other print elements in picas.
    Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel with Easy-Align Hook End
    Image of Product. Front orientation. ZoomedIn view. Rulers. Pica Rulers.
    Similar to a tape measure, these rulers have a hook on one end to catch the edge of paper and print materials, keeping the ruler straight as you measure. They're crafted from a single piece of stainless steel, so you can be confident the hook will always stay aligned with the scale. Etched and filled with black ink, their graduations won't rub off like printed graduations can.
    Rulers
    Lg.
    Front Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Back Graduations (Numeric Graduations)
    Wd.
    Thk.
    Each
    Inch/Typography
     
    Top-to-Bottom Reading Direction
    24"6 point (1 pica), 1/16" (1")8 point (16 point), 10 point (20 point)13/16"1/32"0000000000000
     

    High-Accuracy Combination Square Blades

    Image of Product. Front orientation. Contains Annotated, MultipleImages. Combination Square Blades. High-Accuracy Combination Square Blades.
    Blades are for use with High-Accuracy Combination Square Heads. Blades are labeled with numeric increments that are less than 1" for quick-reading. All have a corrosion-resistant satin chrome-plated finish that reduces glare and wear-resistant etched markings.
    Graduation
    Lg.
    Front Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Back Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Lg. Accuracy
    Wd.
    Thk.
    Color
    Color
    Type
    Each
    Inch
     
    Satin Chrome-Plated Steel
    24"1/32" (4/32"), 1/64" (8/64")1/8" (1"), 1/16" (1")-0.0025" to 0.0025"1"3/32"SilverBlackEtched000000000000000
    24"1/32" (4/32"), 1/64" (8/64")1/50" (1/10"), 1/100" (1/10")-0.0025" to 0.0025"1"3/32"SilverBlackEtched00000000000000
     

    Heavy Duty Levels

    Image of Product. Front orientation. Levels. Heavy Duty Levels.
    These sturdy levels last longer than typical levels, even if you use them frequently. With four solid sides that form a box shape, they stay flat on surfaces without wobbling and won’t twist or deform over time. The aluminum housing and durable plastic vial won't crack if you step on them or drop them off a ladder or tool tray.
    Levels with Ruler—Align and measure surfaces without having to switch tools.
    Levels with Center-Finding Ruler—Quickly locate the center of your workpiece without any math. These levels have graduation marks that start at zero in the middle of the level. Just align them so that the increments are the same on both sides of the object you’re measuring —zero marks your center.
    No. of Vials
    Housing
    Lg.
    Wd.
    Ht.
    Sensitivity
    Horizontal
    Vertical
    45°
    Vial
    Material
    Material
    Color
    Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Each
    Levels with Ruler
    24"1"2 3/8"0.006"/1 ft., 1 min/0.1"111PlasticAluminum
    		Red1/16" (1")00000000000000
     
    Levels with Center-Finding Ruler
    24"1"2"0.006"/1 ft., 1 min/0.1"12—PlasticAluminum
    		Yellow1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")0000000000000
     
    back to top