2.1. Define and state the different measures in metric system.

2.2. Identify the common types of measuring tool.

2.3. Define and state the different unit of measures in metric system.
MEASUREMENT

Measurements can either make the structure or completely destroy it. Accurate
and detailed measurement is the most fundamental element on which the entire
structure stands. The importance of accuracy and exhaustively detailed drawings
go beyond the bucket list of benefits. It is what makes the construction process
today very streamlined, smooth and quick.

This module provides an avenue to answer the following questions:

 What is the importance of accurate measurements in drafting?
 What are the scales used in technical drawing?
 How are measuring tools used in technical drawing?

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MEASUREMENT IN TECHNICAL DRAWING

Technical drawing is essential for communicating ideas in industry and

engineering. Accuracy can be one of the most important aspects to
ensuring that a construction project runs smoothly. This is especially true
when it comes to measurements, as an inexact figure can negatively affect
the entire process. Always make sure
Precise readings, therefore, could save huge amounts of time, labour and your pencil tip is
money for people in the building trade. It keeps all the phases of a project extra sharp and use
economical and efficient. It avoids all kinds of misunderstandings a drafting or fine-
between the stakeholders ensuring that there is an easier and more point pen; a wide
seamless transition from one phase of the construction process to the mark could throw
other. off your
measurements, and
even the smallest of
System of Measurement increments on the
A system of measurement is a set of units which are used to specify
paper can translate
anything which can be measured. This can be associated with numbers
and physical quantities. Even though the concept of weights and measures into a major
includes factors such as temperature, pressure, and electric current. All difference in the
technical drawings must carry a unit of measure. This is required so that structure.
the drawing size can be correctly interpreted. Since graphics have linear
and angular attributes, the units of length and angles are indispensable in
drafting and design.
Two types of measurement systems are distinguished historically: an
evolutionary system, such as the British Imperial, which grew more or less
haphazardly out of custom, and a planned system, such as the International
System of Units (SI; Système Internationale d’Unités), in universal use by
the world’s scientific community and by most nations.
I. Imperial System
The imperial method of measurement, known as British Imperial, was originally set by the
British Weights and Measures Act of 1824. Most imperial drawings and/or models use yards,
feet, and inches, where one yard is three feet, and a foot (plural = feet) is 12 inches. A foot is
divided into twelve equal parts called inch. An inch is one-twelfth of a foot, which is further
subdivided into 16 equal graduations. Each division or unit is called 1/16 of an inch.

Imperial System of Measurement

Linear Equivalent
12 inches (in.) = 1 foot (ft.)
3 feet (ft.) = 1 yard (yd.)

II. Metric System

The metric method of measurement, known as the International System of Units or SI (from
the French, Le Systeme International D’Unites), was originally set up in 1960 to address the
issue of a number of diverging metric systems and to coordinate and standardize those systems.
Most metric drawings and/or models use kilometers, meters, and millimeters, where one
kilometer = 1,000 meters, and one meter = 1,000 millimeters.

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 All the units in the metric system are in multiples of 10: there are 10mm in 1cm, 100cm in a
metre, 1000m in a kilometre, and so on. It means that calculations can be done as decimals, so
multiples of units can be calculated by dividing and multiplying by 10 and its powers. This is
much easier to work out in your head and is easily adaptable in all sorts of applications,
particularly in science and engineering.
The standard unit of length in the metric system is the meter. A meter is divided into one
hundred equal parts called centimetre. In centimetre, there are ten millimetres.

Metric System of Measurement

Linear Equivalent
10 millimeters = 1 centimeters (cm)
10 centimeters = 1 meter (m)
10 decimeters = 1 decimeter (dm)
10 meters = 1 decameter (Dm)
10 decameters = 1 hectometer (Hm)
10 hectometers = 1 kilometer (Km)

Metric Conversion Table Imperial Conversion Table

1 mm = 0.03937 in. 1 in. = .0254 mm = 2.54 cm = .0254 m
1 cm = .3937 in. 1 ft. = 304.8 mm = 30.48 cm = .3048 m
1 m = 39.37 in. 1 yd. = 914.4 mm = 91.4 cm = .9144 m

Conversion Formulas
Length in meters = Length in inches x 0.0254
Length in centimeters = Length in inches x 2.54
Length in meters = Length in feet ÷ 3.28
Length in inches = Length in meters x 39.37
Length in meters = Length in inches ÷ 39.37
Length in meters = Length in feet x 0.305
Length in centimeters = Length in feet x 30.5

Scales Used in Technical Drawings

Full scale drawings show the actual size of an object. If the object is either too small or too large to
draw full scale, the designer scales it up or down. Technical drawings are drawn to scale so that
engineers, architects and builders can create the objects in the drawing to exact specifications. When
reading scales, the number on the left equals the measurement on the drawing; the number on the right
is the actual size.
Metric Scale
The metric scale uses the millimeter as its base measurement. Full size on the metric scale is
shown as 1:1. Half scale is 1:2. It is helpful to think of this as one unit on the drawing equals
two units on the object. A small object can be enlarged on the paper and drawn in 2:1 scale. This
means the drawing of the object is twice as large as the object itself. Designers use an enlarged
scale, such as double scale, on objects that are too small to draw full size with any meaningful
detail. Common metric scales are 1:100, 1:50, 1:20, 1:10 and 1:5. For example, 1:50 scale equals
one-fiftieth (1/50) full size – or 1 millimeter on the drawing equals 50 millimeters in reality.

Measuring Tools
Measuring tools are used for measuring dimensions of a plan, an object, or a finished product. They are
important in examining the quality of a finished product, a plan or diagram, or a sketch. To implement
a plan scientifically, every measurement must be accurate and tools must be precise.

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The following are measuring tool for drafting:
1. T-square is used as guide in drawing horizontal lines and in measuring up to 48″ straight line.
Because T-squares are usually used in conjunction with a drafting board, one should choose a
T-square whose length is appropriate to the board and the paper to be used.
How to use a T-square:
 The head of the T-square hooks on to the left side of
the drafting board, and can be slid up and down
along that edge. The blade is used to draw horizontal
straight lines.
 When drawing lines, one should hold the T-square
in place using your non-drawing hand.
 In order to draw vertical or diagonal lines, a
triangular ruler (set square) is used in conjunction
with the T-square. Holding the T-square down, one
places the triangle on the top edge of the blade. So
that the resulting line is uniform in thickness and not
jagged, the line should be drawn in one direction
only.
 When drawing a line with a T-square or triangle,
horizontal lines are usually be drawn left to right,
and vertical lines from bottom to top. Similarly,
upward-sloping diagonal lines are usually drawn
from bottom left to top right, and downward-
sloping diagonal lines from top left to bottom right.
 One should avoid attempting to re-draw a line a second time.
 When moving a ruler from a drawn line, it should be from top to bottom, so as not to
rub the ruler over the line.
 In the case of triangles the direction of movement will depend on the line drawn, but
in most cases it should be moved from left to right.
2. Triangle is a drafting tool used to draw accurate parallel lines, vertical lines, and other angled
lines. It measures vertical and oblique lines at varying angles. Generally, two right-angled
triangular pieces of differing angles form one set. On one piece, the angles are 90°, 60°, and
30°; on the other, an isosceles triangle is formed with angles 90°, 45°, and, 45°.
How to use a triangle:
 When you use a triangle to draw horizontal or
vertical lines, you need to use two triangles together
in tandem. By combining the two, you can draw
lines at 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90° angles.
 You may also use a triangle in tandem with a T-
square. To draw parallel lines, for example, securely
fasten the two triangles together and then move the
triangle on the right side downward from the top,
drawing a line from left to right.

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3. Ruler is a device with measurement markings on it used for measuring and drawing straight
lines. It measures size and distance up to 12″.
How to use a ruler:
A. Imperial Measurement
 The markings on a standard ruler represent
the fractions of an inch. The markings on a
ruler from the start to the 1″ mark are: 1⁄16″,
1⁄8″, 3⁄16″, 1⁄4″, 5⁄16″, 3⁄8″, 7⁄16″, 1⁄2″, 9⁄16″,
5⁄8″, 11⁄16″, 3⁄4″, 13⁄16″, 7⁄8″, 15⁄16″, and 1″.
If the measurement is over 1″, simply use the
number on the ruler and add the fraction. For
instance, if you’re two ticks past the number
3 tick, then the measurement is 3 1⁄8″.
 Reading a ruler starts with understanding
what all the ticks mean. The largest ticks on
a ruler represent a full inch, and the distance
between each large tick is 1″.
 The large ticks in between the inch markings
are half-inch markings, and the distance
between an inch tick and a half-inch tick is
1⁄2″.
 The mid-sized ticks between the inch ticks
and half-inch ticks are the quarter-inch ticks.
The distance between a quarter-inch tick and
an inch tick or a half-inch tick is 1⁄4″.
B. Metric Measurements
 Metric rulers have centimeter and millimeter markings. The larger markings these
represent a centimeter.
 The smaller ticks on a metric ruler represent a millimeter. There are 10 millimeters
in a centimeter, so there are 9 millimeter ticks between each centimeter tick.

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4. Scale ruler measures reproductions in reduced or enlarged proportions. It is designed for use
in determining the actual dimensions of a distance on a scaled drawing. Most architectural,
construction and engineering drawings and blueprints are scaled to allow for large areas,
structures or items to conveniently fit on a reasonable size of paper.

Scale Ruler (Metric Units) Scale Ruler (Imperial Units)

o 1:5000 (Pronounced o 1:5 o 3″=1′-0″ (Pronounced o (3⁄4″=1′-0″)
one to five thousand) o 1:200 three inches to a foot) o (3⁄8″=1′-0″)
o 1:1000 o 1:100 o 1 1⁄2″=1′-0″ o (1⁄4″=1′-0″)
o 1:500 o 1:50 o 1″=1′-0″ o (1⁄8″=1′-0″)
o 1:200 o 1:20 o 1⁄2″=1′-0″ o (3⁄16″=1′-0″)
o 1:100 o 1:10 o (3⁄32″=1′0″)

How to use a scale ruler:

 Before using an architect's scale or ruler,
it is important to know the scale of the
drawing or item that is being measured.
Once the scale of the drawing has been
ascertained, select the correct scale on the
ruler. Look at each end of the ruler to find
the side with the scale used in the drawing
you want to measure.
 Place the ruler along the side of the wall--or item--you want to measure in the drawing,
with the zero exactly flush with the end of that side. Note that the zero is not at the end
of the ruler, but about a quarter of an inch from the end.
 Count the number of full increments or "ticks" on the ruler from zero to the end of the
line you are measuring to obtain the length in feet. For example, if you are using a 1/4
scale and your measurement is six quarter-inch increments, you know that the actual
size of the wall or item you are measuring is 6 feet long. If you are using a 1/8 scale
and the line is five major increments long, and half of another major increment, the
actual size of the item is 5 feet 6 inches long.
 Using the small hash marks on the opposite side of the zero to measure the inches for
a line that is not exactly flush with a full increment. These lines break down the scale
you are using into inches. Slide the ruler so that the last full increment you counted
aligns with the end of that line. Then count the number of marks from zero in the
opposite direction, up to the beginning of the side of the item you are measuring.
 Add the number of feet from step 3 and the number of inches from step 4 to obtain the
total length of the item's side.
 Repeat steps 2 through 5 for all subsequent lines you wish to measure.
5. Protractor tool used to measure and draw angles. Generally, semi-circular in shape, protractors
are also available in full-circle, 360-degree versions.
Measuring an angle with a protractor:
 Place the origin over the center point, or vertex,
of the angle you want to measure. The small hole
in the middle of the base of the protractor is the
origin. Align the vertex of the angle with the
center of the cross in the origin.

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  Rotate the protractor to align one leg of the angle
with the baseline. Maintain the vertex of the angle
in the origin and gently rotate the protractor so
that one of the legs of the angle falls on the
baseline of the protractor.
 Follow the opposite leg of the angle up to the measurements on the protractor's arc.
Drawing an angle with a protracting:
 Draw a straight line. The line is your reference
line and the first leg of your angle. It will be used
to determine the position at which you draw the
second leg of the angle.
 Place the origin of the protractor at one end of the
line. This point will be your angle's vertex.
 Find the degree of the angle you wish to draw on
the protractor's appropriate scale.
 Draw the second leg to complete the angle. Using
a ruler, the flat edge of your protractor or another
straight edge, connect the vertex with the marked
degree, drawing the second leg.
6. Compass is used to draw circles and measure distances.
It is also used to draw arcs and curves, divide straight lines
into equal parts, and mark a section or distance between
points. And just like a compass, a divider can also be used
to measure lines and divide lines into segments.
 To compare sizes of drawing elements open the
divider/compass points across one element then
compare against the second or compare by
measuring each against a scale ruler. Measure
distance by opening the divider points to a set
scale then plot across the drawing or map to get a
distance.

Measuring tools are important for examining a finished product or semi-finished product. The
inspection or examination includes checking, or testing an object based on the required dimensions
given on a diagram or a sketch. Measurement taken must be accurate.

IDENTIFICATION.
Directions: Identify what is described in each statement. Write your answer on the space provided
before each number.

___________1. It is used to draw arcs, circles, and measure radiuses.

___________2. This tool is used to draw and measure angles.
___________3. It measures size and distance up to 12″.
___________4. It measures vertical and oblique lines at varying angles.
___________5. It measures reproductions in reduced or enlarged proportions.

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MEASURING.
A. Directions: Measure the length of the paper clip in millimeters. Write your answer on the space
before the number.

_______1.

_______2.

_______3.

B. Directions: Measure the length of the paper clip in centimeters. Write your answer on the space
before the number.

______4.

_______5.

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CONVERSION.
Directions: Give the equivalent units of the given measurements. Write your answer on the provided
space and show your solution.
1. 60 cm = ____ in.
2. 3 ½ in. = ____ cm
3. 75 cm = ____ m
4. 10 in = ____ mm
5. 30 cm = ____ ft

PERFORMANCE TASK 2: PLATE NO. 1

Directions:
1. Using your output in Performance Task 1, place your Oslo paper horizontally on the drawing
board and secure it using a masking tape.
2. Draw the following line exercises on your Oslo paper. Follow the given measurements. Use the
appropriate tools to recreate the drawings.

BATSTATE-U NAME OF STUDENT LINE EXCERCISE NAME OF TEACHER

IS DEPARTMENT GRADE-SECTION PLATE NO. 1 SCORE:

You will be graded based on the rubric below:

20 The output is accurately done.

ACCURACY 15 Two to five errors are in the output.
10 Six to ten errors were present in the output.
10 The output is neat. No dirt/smudges are visible and paper is not
NEATNESS crumpled.
8 Two to three smudges/mistakes are visible.

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 3 Four or more errors are visible and paper is crumpled.
15 All informations are correctly indicated and legibly printed.
8 Labels are written legibly but 1-2 information are missing or
LABELING
incorrect.
5 Information is incomplete and written illegibly.
5 The output is submitted before or on the given time.
SPEED 3 The output is submitted 1 to 2 days after the given time.
1 The output is submitted 10 days beyond the given time.
TOTAL 50

Watch the video “Drafting Tools 101 -

How to Read Architect and Engineer
Scales” to fully understand how to use a
scale ruler.
https://tinyurl.com/4v2vnjph

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Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines, Rex Book Store, Inc.
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Education Mechanical Drating, Project 8, Quezon City, Philippines, Bright House Publishing
Accurate Working Drawings Importance. (n.d.). BluEntCAD. https://www.bluentcad.com/blog/why-
accurate-working-drawings-are-important/
(c) Copyright skillsyouneed.com 2011–2021. (n.d.). Systems of Measurement | SkillsYouNeed.
Skillsyouneed.Com. https://www.skillsyouneed.com/num/measurement-systems.html
How to Read a Ruler. (n.d.). WikiHow. https://www.wikihow.com/Read-a-Ruler
How To Read A Ruler | Reading a ruler, Sewing techniques, Quilting tips. (n.d.). Pinterest.
https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/95701560806646610/
How to Use a Protractor. (2020, November 17). WikiHow. https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-
Protractor
Imperial or Metric: Which Way to Measure in AutoCAD. (2017, October 25). Redshift EN.
https://redshift.autodesk.com/imperial-or-metric-which-way-to-measure-in-autocad/

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Measurement system | Types & Definition. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/science/measurement-system
Roberts, D. R. A. F. (n.d.). Metric Systems and English Systems of Measurement -
MathBitsNotebook(A1 - CCSS Math). MathBits.Com (MathBitsNotebook.Com) - Fred and
Donna Roberts. https://mathbitsnotebook.com/Algebra1/Units/UNMetricEnglish.html
Scales Used in Technical Drawings. (n.d.). Sciencing. https://sciencing.com/list-7612075-scales-used-
technical-drawings.html
Scientific Investigation and Reasoning - Measurement | Texas Gateway. (n.d.). Texasgateway.Org.
https://www.texasgateway.org/resource/scientific-investigation-and-reasoning-measurement

Module Creator/Curator: Mrs. TIMMY ANNE A. LOPEZ-GARCIA

Mrs. ANGELICA B. OLARTE
Mr. JEFREY C. MENODZA

Template and Layout Designer: Ms. TIMMY ANNE A. LOPEZ-GARCIA

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