McMaster-Carr logo
    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)
    114 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.

    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 Plastic
    Image of Product. Front orientation. ZoomedIn view. Rulers. Adhesive-Back Rulers.
    These rulers are flexible enough to conform to curved surfaces without snapping.
    Lg.
    Front Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Wd.
    Thk.
    Color
    No. of
    Segments
    Each
    Inch
     
    Right-to-Left Reading Direction
    1 ft.1/32" (1")1/2"0.004"Silver1000000000000
    1 ft.1/16" (1")1/2"0.004"Clear1000000000000
    1 ft.1/16" (1")1/2"0.004"Silver100000000000
    1 ft.1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1 1/4"0.004"Clear1000000000000
    1 ft.1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1 1/4"0.004"Silver100000000000
    1 1/2 ft.1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1 1/4"0.004"Silver100000000000
    3 ft.1/32" (1")1/2"0.004"Silver100000000000
    3 ft.1/16" (1")1/2"0.004"Clear1000000000000
    3 ft.1/16" (1")1/2"0.004"Silver100000000000
    3 ft.1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1 1/4"0.004"Clear1000000000000
    3 ft.1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1 1/4"0.004"Silver100000000000
    6 ft.1/32" (1")1/2"0.004"Silver2000000000000
    6 ft.1/16" (1")1/2"0.004"Clear20000000000000
    6 ft.1/16" (1")1/2"0.004"Silver2000000000000
    6 ft.1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1 1/4"0.004"Clear20000000000000
    6 ft.1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1 1/4"0.004"Silver2000000000000
    7 1/2 ft.1/4" (1"), 1/4" (1")3"0.004"Yellow10000000000000
    9 ft.1/32" (1")1/2"0.004"Silver3000000000000
    9 ft.1/16" (1")1/2"0.004"Clear30000000000000
    9 ft.1/16" (1")1/2"0.004"Silver3000000000000
    9 ft.1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1 1/4"0.004"Clear30000000000000
    9 ft.1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1 1/4"0.004"Silver3000000000000
    12 ft.1/32" (1")1/2"0.004"Silver4000000000000
    12 ft.1/16" (1")1/2"0.004"Clear40000000000000
    12 ft.1/16" (1")1/2"0.004"Silver4000000000000
    12 ft.1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1 1/4"0.004"Clear40000000000000
    12 ft.1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1 1/4"0.004"Silver4000000000000
    15 ft.1/4" (1"), 1/4" (1")3"0.004"Yellow20000000000000
    18 ft.1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1"0.004"Silver6000000000000
    24 ft.1/16" (1")1/2"0.004"Silver8000000000000
    24 ft.1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1"0.004"Silver8000000000000
    30 ft.1/16" (1")1/2"0.004"Silver10000000000000
    36 ft.1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1"0.004"Silver12000000000000
    48 ft.1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1"0.004"Silver160000000000000
    60 ft.1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1"0.004"Silver200000000000000
     
    Metric
     
    Right-to-Left Reading Direction
    1 m1 mm (10 mm), 1 mm (10 mm)1/2"0.004"White100000000000
    1 m1 mm (1 cm), 1 mm (1 cm)3/4"0.004"White100000000000
    1 m1 mm (1 cm), 1 mm (1 cm)1"0.004"White100000000000
    1 m1 mm (10 cm)1/2"0.004"White100000000000
    2 m1 mm (10 mm), 1 mm (10 mm)1/2"0.004"White2000000000000
    2 m1 mm (1 cm), 1 mm (1 cm)3/4"0.004"White2000000000000
    2 m1 mm (1 cm), 1 mm (1 cm)1"0.004"White2000000000000
    2 m1 mm (10 cm)1/2"0.004"White2000000000000
    3 m1 mm (10 cm)1/2"0.004"White3000000000000
    4 m1 mm (10 cm)1/2"0.004"White4000000000000
     
    Extra-Flexible Steel
    Image of Product. Front orientation. ZoomedIn view. Rulers. Adhesive-Back Rulers.
    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.
    Lg.
    Front Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Front First Foot Graduations
    (Numeric Graduations)
    Wd.
    Thk.
    Color
    No. of
    Segments
    Each
    Inch
     
    Left-to-Right Reading Direction/Right-to-Left Reading Direction
    25 ft.1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1/32" (1"), 1/32" (1")3/4"0.0075"Yellow10000000000000
     
    Right-to-Left Reading Direction
    6 ft.1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1/32" (1"), 1/32" (1")1/2"0.0075"White1000000000000
    12 ft.1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1/32" (1"), 1/32" (1")1/2"0.0075"White1000000000000
    25 ft.1/16" (1")—3/8"0.0075"Yellow1000000000000
    25 ft.1/8" (1"), 1/8" (1")—3/8"0.0075"Yellow1000000000000
    50 ft.1/16" (1")—3/8"0.0075"Yellow1000000000000
    50 ft.1/8" (1"), 1/8" (1")—3/8"0.0075"Yellow1000000000000
     
    Inch/Metric
     
    Right-to-Left Reading Direction
    12 ft./3.6 m1/16" (1"), 1 mm (1 cm)1/32" (1")1/2"0.0075"White1000000000000
     
    Metric
     
    Right-to-Left Reading Direction
    3 m1 cm (1 cm), 1 mm (1 cm)—1/2"0.0075"Yellow1000000000000
     
    Rigid Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel
    Image of Product. Front orientation. ZoomedIn view. Rulers. Adhesive-Back Rulers.
    Our most durable adhesive-back rulers. These rulers keep their shape and resist scrapes and scratches even if bumped with tools and machinery. Stick them to flat surfaces, such as bench tops.
    Made of stainless steel, these rulers won't rust when splashed with water or wiped down with degreasers or cleaning solutions. Their graduations are etched and blackened with ink, so they won't rub off like printed graduations can.
    Lg.
    Front Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Wd.
    Thk.
    Color
    No. of
    Segments
    Each
    Inch
     
    Right-to-Left Reading Direction
    12"1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")19/32"3/64"Silver10000000000000
    20"1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")19/32"3/64"Silver1000000000000
    28"1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")19/32"3/64"Silver1000000000000
    40"1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")19/32"3/64"Silver10000000000000
     
    Metric
     
    Right-to-Left Reading Direction
    0.3 m1 mm (1 cm), 1 mm (1 cm)19/32"3/64"Silver1000000000000
    0.5 m1 mm (1 cm), 1 mm (1 cm)19/32"3/64"Silver1000000000000
    0.7 m1 mm (1 cm), 1 mm (1 cm)19/32"3/64"Silver1000000000000
    1 m1 mm (1 cm), 1 mm (1 cm)19/32"3/64"Silver10000000000000
     

    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/Metric
     
    Right-to-Left Reading Direction
    12"/300 mm1/32" (1"), 1/16" (1")1 mm (10 mm), 1 mm (10 mm)1"1/32"———000000000000000
    24"/600 mm1/32" (1"), 1/16" (1")1 mm (10 mm), 1 mm (10 mm)1"1/32"———0000000000000000
    36"/900 mm1/32" (1"), 1/16" (1")1 mm (10 mm), 1 mm (10 mm)1"1/32"———0000000000000000
    48"/1,200 mm1/32" (1"), 1 mm (1 cm)—1 1/8"1/32"00000000000000———0
    96"/2,400 mm1/32" (1"), 1 mm (1 cm)—1 1/8"1/32"000000000000000———0
    144"/3,600 mm1/32" (1"), 1 mm (1 cm)—1 1/8"1/32"000000000000000———0
    192"/4,800 mm1/32" (1"), 1 mm (1 cm)—1 1/8"1/32"000000000000000———0
     
    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.,
    m
    Front Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Wd.
    Thk.
    Each
    Metric
     
    Right-to-Left Reading Direction
    41 mm (1 cm), 1 cm (1 cm)1 3/8"3/32"0000000000000
     

    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
    12"1/16" (1"), 1/32" (1")—1 1/4"1/32"0000000000000
    18"1/16" (1"), 1/32" (1")—1 1/4"1/32"000000000000
    24"1/16" (1"), 1/32" (1")—1 1/4"1/32"000000000000
    36"1/16" (1"), 1/32" (1")—1 1/4"1/32"000000000000
    48"1/16" (1"), 1/32" (1")—1 1/4"1/32"000000000000
     
    Inch/Metric
     
    Left-to-Right Reading Direction/Right-to-Left Reading Direction
    18"/45 cm1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1 mm (1 cm), 1 mm (1 cm)1 1/4"1/32"000000000000
    24"/60 cm1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1 mm (1 cm), 1 mm (1 cm)1 1/4"1/32"000000000000
    36"/90 cm1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")1 mm (1 cm), 1 mm (1 cm)1 1/4"1/32"000000000000
     

    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.
    Lg.
    Front Top Graduations
    (Numeric Graduations)
    Front Bottom Graduations
    (Numeric Graduations)
    Thk.
    Wd.
    Graduation
    Color
    Each
    Inch
     
    Right-to-Left Reading Direction
    12"1/16" (1")—3/32"1"Silver00000000000000
    12"—1/16" (1")3/32"1"Silver000000000000
    24"1/16" (1")—3/32"1"Silver0000000000000
    24"—1/16" (1")3/32"1"Silver0000000000000
    36"1/16" (1")—3/32"1"Silver0000000000000
    36"—1/16" (1")3/32"1"Silver0000000000000
    48"1/16" (1")—3/32"1"Silver0000000000000
    48"—1/16" (1")3/32"1"Silver0000000000000
    60"1/16" (1")—3/32"1"Silver0000000000000
    60"—1/16" (1")3/32"1"Silver0000000000000
    72"1/16" (1")—3/32"1"Silver0000000000000
    72"—1/16" (1")3/32"1"Silver0000000000000
    96"1/16" (1")—3/32"1"Silver0000000000000
    96"—1/16" (1")3/32"1"Silver0000000000000
    144"1/16" (1")—3/32"1"Silver00000000000000
    144"—1/16" (1")3/32"1"Silver00000000000000
     
    Metric
     
    Right-to-Left Reading Direction
    50 cm1 mm (1 cm)—3/32"1"Silver0000000000000
    100 cm1 mm (1 cm)—3/32"1"Silver0000000000000
    150 cm1 mm (1 cm)—3/32"1"Silver0000000000000
    200 cm1 mm (1 cm)—3/32"1"Silver0000000000000
     

    See-Through Rulers

    Image of Product. Front orientation. ZoomedIn view. Rulers. See-Through Rulers, Center Finding, Style A.
    Image of Product. Front orientation. ZoomedIn view. Rulers. See-Through Rulers, Center Finding, Style B.

    Center Finding

    Style A

    Center Finding

    Style B

    Image of Product. Front orientation. ZoomedIn view. Rulers. See-Through Rulers, Center Finding, Style C.

    Center Finding

    Style C

    Line up these rulers exactly where you need them—they're clear plastic, so you'll never lose sight of what you're measuring. A staple of most sewers' kits, they're especially useful when working with intricate designs, lines, and patterns. All are laminated to protect their graduations from scratching and fading.
    Center Finding—These rulers come with a center-finding scale, so you can quickly locate the center of workpieces without any math. Just align the scale so that the same measurement appears on both sides of the object—zero marks your center.
    Red Graduation Marks—Easier to read than black graduation marks when measuring over black lines and text.
    Stainless Steel Edge—Best for cutting and inking straight lines, these rulers have a stainless steel edge that guards the plastic from nicks and stains.
    Style
    Lg.
    Front Graduations (Numeric Graduations)
    Wd.
    Thk.
    Graduation
    Color
    Material
    Edge Material
    Each
    Inch with Center-Finding Scale
    A12"1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1"), 1/16", 1/16", 1/8" (1")2"1/32"RedPlastic—0000000000000
    A18"1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1"), 1/16", 1/16", 1/8" (1")2"1/32"RedPlastic—000000000000
    B12"1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1"), 1/16", 1/16" (1")1 1/2"1/8"BlackPlasticStainless Steel
    		0000000000000
    B18"1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1"), 1/16", 1/16" (1")1 1/2"1/8"BlackPlasticStainless Steel
    		0000000000000
     
    Inch/Metric with Center-Finding Scale
    C12"/30 cm1/16" (1"), 1 mm (1 cm), 1/8" (1")1"1/32"RedPlastic—000000000000
     

    Tape Rulers

    Like masking tape, these rulers stick to workbenches, saw tables, and other surfaces for hands-free measuring. Unwind them from their roll and rip or cut them to the length you need. When you're done measuring, peel them off and throw them away—they won't mark up your surface or leave behind a sticky residue.
    The measurements on these rulers repeat every 3 ft. or 1 meter. For longer measurements, each repeated section includes an empty box, so you can write in your own number for reference.
    Extra-Flexible Paper
    Image of Product. Front orientation. ZoomedIn view. Rulers. Tape Rulers.
    To ensure these rulers last, the paper is coated to resist absorbing water and fading in the sun.
    Lg.
    Lg.
    Measured
    Front Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Wd.
    Thk.
    Color
    Each
    Inch
     
    Left-to-Right Reading Direction/Right-to-Left Reading Direction
    105 ft.3 ft.1/8" (1"), 1/8" (1")3/4"0.004"Yellow0000000000000
     
    Metric
     
    Left-to-Right Reading Direction/Right-to-Left Reading Direction
    32 m1 m2 mm (1 cm), 2 mm (1 cm)3/4"0.004"White000000000000
     

    Pocket Center-Finding Rulers

    Image of Product. Front orientation. Rulers. Pocket Center-Finding Rulers.
    Find the center of workpieces on the go—these rulers are no bigger than a pen to tuck into your pocket. They come with a clip to keep them from falling out or getting misplaced. To find a center, align them so that the same measurement appears on both sides of the object. Zero marks your center—no math required.
    Lightweight Aluminum
    About as lightweight as plastic rulers, these rulers are convenient to carry from site to site. They keep their bright finish even if frequently rinsed.
    Rulers
    Lg.
    Front Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Wd.
    Thk.
    Each
    Inch
     
    Left-to-Right Reading Direction/Right-to-Left Reading Direction
    6"1/32" (1"), 1/16" (1")3/4"3/64"000000000000
     
    Metric
     
    Left-to-Right Reading Direction/Right-to-Left Reading Direction
    16 cm1 mm (1 cm), 1 mm (1 cm)3/4"3/64"00000000000
     

    Half-Measure Adhesive-Back Rulers

    Take division out of the equation when building half-scale models and prototypes. The distance between the graduations on these rulers is half the printed measurement—just use your object's true dimensions to get a model half its size. Stick these rulers to your bench top for a permanent, hands-free measuring guide.
    Extra-Flexible Plastic
    Image of Product. Front orientation. Contains Annotated. Rulers. Half-Measure Adhesive-Back Rulers.
    These rulers are flexible enough to conform to curved surfaces without snapping.
    Lg.,
    ft.
    Front Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Wd.
    Thk.
    Color
    No. of
    Segments
    Each
    Inch
     
    Right-to-Left Reading Direction
    1 1/21/8" (1"), 1/8" (1")1"0.004"Silver10000000000000
    31/8" (1"), 1/8" (1")1"0.004"Silver1000000000000
    61/8" (1"), 1/8" (1")1"0.004"Silver20000000000000
    7 1/21/8" (1"), 1/8" (1")1"0.004"Silver20000000000000
    11 1/41/8" (1"), 1/8" (1")1"0.004"Silver30000000000000
     

    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 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
    Vial
    Material
    Material
    Color
    Graduations (Numeric
    Graduations)
    Each
    Levels with Center-Finding Ruler
    24"1"2"0.006"/1 ft., 1 min/0.1"12PlasticAluminum
    		Yellow1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")00000000000000
    48"1"2"0.006"/1 ft., 1 min/0.1"12PlasticAluminum
    		Yellow1/16" (1"), 1/16" (1")0000000000000
     
    back to top