Graphics: Scale

Architectural and Engineering

Architect Scale

Used to draw buildings, structures, and construction projects.

Architect Scale Divisions

Typically a triangular scale with 12 different scales (plus the full scale).

Architect Scale Reading

Reads both Left to Right and Right to Left.

Architect Scale - Feet

On a given fractional scale, the large numbers to the right of "0" represent Feet.

Architect Scale - Inches

The area to the left of "0" is divided into Inches (or fractions of a foot).

Architect Scale Example

1/4′′=1′−0′′

Architect Scale Full Scale

The scale marked (16) on the ruler, with inches divided into sixteenths (1/16) of an inch.

Engineer Scale

Used to draw very large objects such as earthworks, roads, or property surveys.

Engineer Scale Divisions

Typically a triangular scale with 6 scales.

Engineer Scale Reading

Only reads Left to Right.

Engineer Scale Scales (Examples)

Divided into decimal-based scales like 1′′=10′, 1′′=20′, 1′′=30′, 1′′=40′, 1′′=50′, and 1′′=60′.

Engineer Scale (Scaling)

When using a scale like 1′′=40′, the numbers 1,2,3… represent 10, 20, 30… feet, and the main numbered marks represent 100, 200, 300… feet.

SI (International System of Units)

The Metric System of measurement.

US Measurement Status

The United States is one of three countries that does not use the SI system for customary units (the others are Liberia & Myanmar).

Construction Industry Adoption

The construction industry has adapted the Metric system the LEAST out of all industries.

ANSI (American National Standards)

Sets standards like ANSI-Y14 (ASME) for areas including Drafting Practices, Dimensioning, and Projection.

ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)

An organization that sets standards, often referenced by ANSI-Y14.

Other Standards Organizations

Includes the Department of Defense (DOD), International Standards Organization (ISO), and Japanese Standards (JIS).

How to Scale a Line (General)

Line up the scale on the closest foot marking that still allows the line to trail into the fraction of a foot area (or decimal area) past the zero mark.