Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges

College of Engineering
Electronics Engineering Department

Name: Kyle N. Eligoyo

PERFORM MENSURATION AND CALCULATION

By definition, mensuration the act of measuring something where ‘measuring’ ascertains the
size, amount or degree (of something) by using an instrument or device marked in standard
units.

Necessity of measurement in everyday life

Modern society could not exist without measurement. Twenty-first century civilization is
inconceivable without the indispensable measurement tools on which everyday life depends. Time, size,
distance, speed, direction, weight, volume, temperature, pressure, force, sound, light, energy—these
are among the physical properties for which humans have developed accurate measures, without which
we could not live our normal daily lives.

Importance of measuring tools

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

Types of measuring tools

1. T-Square is used a guide in drawing horizontal lines and in measuring up to 48” straight line.

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2. Triangles are used for drawing vertical and oblique lines. They are usually made of celluloid or plastic
and come in various sizes. The most commonly used triangles are the 45 degree and the 30-degree x
60 degree. Illustrations below show the proper use of drawing lines and measuring angles using the T-
square and triangle.

3. Ruler is the most popular type of measuring tool. It is usually 6 or 12 inches in length. It is needed for
measuring sizes and distances.

4. Triangular Scale is used in general drawing. Its main purpose is to reproduce the dimension in full size
or to reduce or enlarge them on a drawing.

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5. Protractor is used for measuring and setting of angles other than those obtainable with the triangles.

6. Tape or tape ruler is a concave, spring-steel blade ranging from 1/4" to 1" wide and 6 to about 300
feet in length, coiled inside a carrying case. Metric tape ruler comes in comparable widths and lengths
up to 10 meters. It provides an easy means for accurately measuring curved surfaces.

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How to Take Care of Measuring Tools

Tools will last longer when properly kept and maintained. A good worker or draftsman keeps and takes
care of these tools. The following are some pointers:

1. Be sure to inspect tools before using them. This is to check if they are in working condition. This can
be detected when there is ease and speed when in use.

2. After using a tool, clean it thoroughly with a damp cloth. Wipe it dry with another piece of cloth
before keeping it.

3. When not in use, the T-square is preferably hung by inserting the hole to a nail (attached to a wall) at
the end of its blade.

4. Do not abuse or misuse any piece of drawing instruments.

5. Avoid throwing tool to anybody instead hand it over

6. Avoid setting off the distances individually by moving the scale to a new position each time, because
slight errors in the measurements may accumulate and give rise to a large error.

7. Avoid unnecessary sliding of T-square or triangles across the drawing. Pick up the triangle by their tips
and tilt the T-square blade upward slightly before moving.

8. Report defective tool and any hazard to instructor immediately.

Good measurement practice

The UK’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL) has defined six guiding principles of good
measurement practice:

1. The Right Measurements – Measurements should only be made to satisfy agreed and well
specified requirements

2. The Right Tools – Measurements should be made using equipment and methods that have
been demonstrated to be fit for purpose

3. The Right People – Measurement staff should be competent, properly qualified and well-
informed

4. Regular Review – There should be both internal and independent assessment of the technical
performance of all measurement facilities and procedures

5. Demonstrable Consistency – Measurements made in one location should be consistent with

6. The Right Procedures – Well-defined procedures consistent with national or international

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Converting Units for Measurement

Mensuration is an ancient concept. Every physical quantity like length, mass, time, temperature
etc., have a specific unit. By definition, a unit is a magnitude of a physical quantity. In order to have
accuracy and avoid confusion in measurement, we may need to convert one unit to another. For
instance, we do not measure the length of a pencil in kilometers, in such case one has to convert
kilometer (km) to centimeter (cm). Generally, the conversion of one unit to another unit of the same
quantity is performed using multiplicative conversion factors. Below is a table of unit conversions that
can be used when performing calculations:

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