Drafting Scales

Professional drafting scales, engineering scales, and architectural scales can come in a number of sizes and models. The classic triangular scale is still a popular tool, and there are two models — one for architects and one for engineers. You can even find a metric scale if that’s what you need. Be sure to browse through our inventory, so you can find a scale that’s right for you!

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Drafting Scales Features

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Variety of sizes

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Precise measuring

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USING THE ALVIN 300 SERIES TRIANGULAR SCALE

The new Alvin aluminum triangular scales come in both 4-inch and 6-inch models. They’re made of solid aluminum, so they’re of the highest quality. These scales have a durable surface that’s ultra-smooth, and they can resist most stains and abrasions. A scale is the perfect tool for field work and travel, and its lightweight design makes it easy to take anywhere you go. Every single architectural and engineering scale is color-coded for easy reference, and all of them are available in standard graduations. Feel free to look at what we have at Engineering Supply, so you can find a standard or metric scale that’s right for you!

HOW TO READ AN ARCHITECTURAL OR ENGINEERING SCALE

Architects and engineers use a scale to draw something very large or very small. You may need to scale something up for finer detail, or you may need to scale it down for a building or plan of an open location. A 12-inch scale will have six sides, which can convert different lengths into feet. The number on the edge will tell you the scale you’re using. But regardless of which side you need, there are two basic types of scales. An architectural scale is used to describe the interior or exterior of a building, while an engineering scale is used to describe a site or property. Be sure to look at what we have at Engineering Supply. We’re sure you’ll be able to find a scale that will meet your specific needs.

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AN ESSENTIAL TOOL FOR ARCHITECTS AND DRAFTING PROFESSIONALS

Whether you need to draw something very large or very small, an architectural or engineering scale is an essential tool. An architectural scale is good for taking measurements off of a scaled paper drawing, and you can take a triangular scale with you because you can store it in a briefcase or carrying bag. Both scales are easy to read, so it’s simple to convert inches into feet. If you need a metric scale, you can find those as well. So whether you need to do more detailed drawings of something small or need to bring down a building design, a scale is a must-have for any architectural and drafting professional. Feel free to look at the various models we have in our store. We’re sure you can find something that will meet your needs.

QUALITY MANUFACTURING THAT’S DESIGNED FOR LONG-TERM USE

If you’re a working professional, you need quality tools that will last over the long term. That’s why Engineering Supply works with quality manufacturers that build tools designed for long-term use. Whether you need an architectural or engineering scale, you can find what you need at our store. The classic triangular scale is a proven tool that will get the job done, but you can find a variety of models and sizes. Even if you rely on CAD, a scale can help you take measurements off of paper drawings. Hand-drafting is a skill that’s worth learning, and an architectural scale is one of the most important tools for performing this task. Feel free to look at the various models we have in our inventory. We’re confident you’ll be able to find a drafting scale that will meet your specific needs.

Drafting by hand is an established practice that’s still being done today — even after many other industries have moved to a digital system. While there are many uses for electronic plans, there is an art to making designs by hand. Like writers who swear by making hand-written first drafts, hand-drawing designs helps architects and engineers to think about what they’re doing. There are a variety of tools that can be used for drafting by hand, and one of them is a scale. The triangular version is still popular among architects and engineers, and you can find them in both standard and metric versions. They’re easy to read, and you can carry them wherever you go. An architectural scale will use a 1/4” - 1’-0” or a 1/8” = 1’-0” scale, but an engineering scale will use 1:20, 1:50, or 1:100 ratio.

If a drawing or map isn’t properly scaled, you'll run into a problem if you try to measure. So, you need to determine the scale of the drawing or map before you use this tool. You might even be tempted to call it a “ruler” because of its similarity in design, but a drafting instructor will tell you to call it a “drafting scale” instead. There are all kinds of drafting tools to choose from, and a scale is one of the most necessary items for drafting by hand. Feel free to look at what we have at Engineering Supply. We know you’ll find a scale that's right for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Are Engineering Scales Read?

An engineering scale is always read from left to right, and will usually have roughly six different scale systems labeled on it so that the user can utilize a range of different factors for conversion. In order to use this scale to the fullest, you must be able to understand how to interpret the blueprints or drawing to a scale that makes sense with the device.

Is There a Difference Between an Engineering Scale and Architectural Scale?

There are several differences between an architectural scale and an engineering scale. While both look very similar, an architectural scale is more often used when a professional needs to use fractional scaling in his or her work. Similarly, the engineering scale offers a precise reading based around a system of decimal scaling.

How Many Scales Can an Architectural Scale Measure?

The main purpose of an architectural scale is to obtain the exact scale measurements from the blueprints or drawing of a structure. Depending on the exact model, the device is able to read roughly 11 scales on either a three-sided or four-sided scale.

What Are Some Common Drafting Tools?

Drafting tools usually include an array of mechanical drawing tools. While a scale is always a useful device, additional equipment to invest in include a compass, dividers, trimmers, cutting tools, and a drafting scale. Pencils, erasers, and a t-square are also essential items to have on hand when you are involved in drafting.

What Are Common Types of Architectural Scales?

There are many different scales to work from when you are involved in drafting. Some of the more common scales include 1:1 when an architect or engineer is doing a mockup for a client, 1:10 for more in-depth selections of a structure, and 1:20 for the most commonly scaled parts of a building.

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