4 ft. Long Rulers | McMaster-Carr

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

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/Metric







				Left-to-Right Reading Direction

				48"/1,200 mm	1/32" (1"), 1/64" (1")	1 mm (1 cm), 1/32" (1")	1 1/4"	1/16"	2120A37	000000	———	0


				48"/1,200 mm	1/32" (1"), 1 mm (10 mm)	—	1"	1/32"	———	0	20265A38	0000000
				48"/1,200 mm	1/32" (1"), 1 mm (1 cm)	—	1 1/8"	1/32"	89665A81	00000	———	0




						Right-to-Left Reading Direction

						48"/1,200 mm	1/32" (1"), 1 mm (1 cm)	—	1 1/8"	1/32"	89665A69	00000	———	0


						Inch







										Left-to-Right Reading Direction

										48"	1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")	—	1 1/4"	1/32"	2120A15	00000	20265A445	000000


										48"	1/10" (1/10"), 1/10" (1/10")	—	1"	1/32"	2120A35	00000	20265A45	000000

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)	Wd.	Thk.		Each
Inch/Metric







				Left-to-Right Reading Direction

				48"/1,200 mm	1/16" (1"), 1 mm (10 mm)	1 1/8"	1/16"	1943A36	000000

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

				48"	1/10" (1"), 1/10" (1/10")	1"	1/16"	1933A54	000000


				48"	1/8" (1"), 1/16" (1")	2"	7/64"	2014A3	00000


				Inch/Metric







								Left-to-Right Reading Direction

								48"/122 cm	1/16" (1"), 2 mm (1 cm)	2"	1/8"	1971A45	00000

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

				48"	1/8" (1"), 1/16" (1")	1/8" (1"), 1/16" (1")	1 1/4"	1/16"	2013A4	000000

Hard Maple

Handcrafted in Maine from kiln-dried, hard maple, these wood rulers will stay straight and true for years to come. Just like rulers from a century ago, they also get all the details right:

Etched lines and numbers won’t wear off like printed graduations.
A clear coating guards against nicks and scratches.
Seamlessly integrated brass endcaps keep the corners square and the ruler lying flat.
_1/4" thickness prevents pencils and chalk from slipping as you trace lines.

						Rulers
	Lg.	Front Graduations (Numeric Graduations)	Back Graduations (Numeric Graduations)	Wd.	Thk.		Each
Inch







				Left-to-Right Reading Direction

				48"	1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")	1/8" (1"), 1/8" (1")	1 1/2"	1/4"	2002A2	000000

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.

							Rulers		Rulers with Calibration Certificate
	Lg.	Front Graduations (Numeric Graduations)	Back Graduations (Numeric Graduations)	Accuracy	Wd.	Thk.		Each		Each
Inch



		48"	1/32" (4/32"), 1/64" (8/64")	1/50" (1/10"), 1/100" (1/10")	-0.0035" to 0.008"	1 1/4"	3/64"	2042A47	0000000	———	0


		48"	1/32" (4/32"), 1/64" (8/64")	1/10" (1/10"), 1/100" (1/10")	-0.0035" to 0.008"	3/4"	1/64"	2042A96	000000	———	0
		48"	1/32" (4/32"), 1/64" (8/64")	1/10" (1/10"), 1/100" (1/10")	-0.0035" to 0.008"	1 1/4"	3/64"	2042A94	000000	2056A21	0000000
		48"	1/32" (4/32"), 1/64" (8/64")	1/8" (1"), 1/16" (1")	-0.0035" to 0.008"	1 1/4"	3/64"	2042A92	000000	2056A15	000000


		Inch/Metric



				48"/1,200 mm	1/32" (4/32"), 1/64" (8/64")	0.5 mm (10 mm), 1 mm (10 mm)	-0.0035" to 0.008"/-0.09 mm to 0.2 mm	1 1/4"	3/64"	———	0	2056A26	000000

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

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
	Lg.	Front Graduations (Numeric Graduations)	Wd.	Thk.		Each
Inch/Metric







				Bottom-to-Top Reading Direction

				48"/120 cm	1 mm (1 cm), 1/32" (1")	1 1/8"	1/32"	89665A73	000000




						Top-to-Bottom Reading Direction

						48"/120 cm	1 mm (1 cm), 1/32" (1")	1 1/8"	1/32"	89665A77	00000

Adhesive-Back Rulers

Free up your hands when measuring length over and over—no more lining up rulers or tape measures. These rulers stick to everything from toolboxes to lathe beds for a permanent measuring guide.

Extra-Flexible Steel

Combine the flexibility of plastic with the strength of metal. These rulers are bendy enough to conform to curved surfaces and durable enough to resist scrapes and scratches.

	Wd.	Thk.	Color	No. of Segments		Each
Inch







	Left-to-Right Reading Direction

	4 ft.	1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")	1/32" (1"), 1/32" (1")	1/2"	0.0075"	White	1	1909A41	000000


	Inch/Metric







					Left-to-Right Reading Direction

					4 ft./1.2 m	1/16" (1"), 1 mm (1 cm)	1/32" (1")	1/2"	0.0075"	White	1	1909A52	00000

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.

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.

	Thk.	Wd.	Graduation Color		Each
Inch







	Left-to-Right Reading Direction

	48"	1/16" (1")	—	3/32"	1"	Silver	1970A34	000000


	48"	—	1/16" (1")	3/32"	1"	Silver	1970A44	00000




			Right-to-Left Reading Direction

			48"	1/16" (1")	—	3/32"	1"	Silver	1970A341	00000


			48"	—	1/16" (1")	3/32"	1"	Silver	1970A441	00000

Adhesive-Back Vertical Rulers

For repeated height and depth measurements, stick these rulers to walls, tanks, and other vertical surfaces. Their numbers are printed from bottom to top or top to bottom, so you don't have to tilt your head to read them. Since these rulers permanently adhere to surfaces, they free up your hands as you work—no more lining up rulers or tape measures.

Extra-Flexible Plastic

These rulers are flexible enough to conform to curved surfaces without snapping.

	Thk.	Color	No. of Segments		Each
Inch







	Bottom-to-Top Reading Direction

	4	1/4" (1")	3"	0.004"	Yellow	1	20335A71	000000

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 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.

	Thk.	Material	Color		Each
Inch







	Left-to-Right Reading Direction

	48"	1/8" (1"), 1/16" (1")	2"	3/16"	Aluminum	Orange	6236N16	000000

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

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)	Wd.	Thk.		Each
Inch







				Left-to-Right Reading Direction/Right-to-Left Reading Direction

				48"	1/16" (1"), 1/32" (1")	1 1/4"	1/32"	2346A27	000000

Staff Gauges

Built to resist corrosion and last in harsh environments, these vertical rulers are iron with a porcelain-enamel finish. Mount them to walls and tanks.

						Graduation		Mounting Holes
	Length	Front Right Graduation Marks (Numeric Increments)	Wd.	Thk.	Color	Color	Type	No. of.	Dia.		Each
Inch—Bottom-to-Top Reading Direction







				Enamel-Coated Iron

				48"	1/2" (1")	2 1/2"	1/16"	White	Black	Printed	6	3/16"	1975A25	000000

Circumference-Measuring Rulers

Finding the circumference of duct, pipe, and other cylindrical objects is as easy as pi. Just measure the diameter of the object's opening with the inch scale, then look at the measurement below—that's your circumference. Since you only need access to the opening, these rulers are ideal for pipe and duct that are already mounted. A favorite among sheet metal workers, they're also known as tinners' rules.

Steel

Image of Product. Front orientation. ZoomedIn view. Rulers. Circumference-Measuring Rulers.

Tempered for extra strength, these rulers keep their shape even after multiple hard hits and drops, so they'll measure accurately for years to come. Their graduations are etched and filled with black ink, meaning they won't rub off like printed graduations can.

							Rulers
	Lg.	Front Graduations (Numeric Graduations)	Circumference Graduations (Numeric Graduations)	Circumference Measured	Wd.	Thk.		Each
Inch







				Left-to-Right Reading Direction

				48"	1/16" (1")	1/8" (1")	150"	1 1/4"	1/16"	2132A2	0000000

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



		48"	1"	2 3/8"	0.006"/1 ft., 1 min/0.1"	1	1	1	Plastic	Aluminum	Red	1/16" (1")	4175N104	000000


		Levels with Center-Finding Ruler



				48"	1"	2"	0.006"/1 ft., 1 min/0.1"	1	2	—	Plastic	Aluminum	Yellow	1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")	4175N102	000000

Linear Scales for Saws

Measure once and cut once with these linear scales. They mount right to your saw's table and keep the included tape measure visible at all times. Often used with chop and miter saws to cut bars and sheets, they're more accurate than measuring by hand. Slide the included saw stop along the scale to the length you need, then turn the handle to lock it in place at your desired length before making your cut. Flip the saw stop out of the way when you don’t need it.

				Overall						Left-Side Mount		Right-Side Mount
	Distance Measured Range	Measuring Increments	Accuracy	Lg.	Wd.	Material	Mounting Hardware Included	Features	Includes		Each		Each
Horizontal Orientation



		0" to 48"	1/16"	±1/16"	48"	2 3/4"	Aluminum	Yes	Plastic Lens	Saw Stop, Tape Measure	8961N103	0000000	8961N104	0000000

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