Dimensioning Aids for Working with
Architectural Plans
Reading a set of construction plans requires practice, experi -
ence, and spatial skills. To quickly read rough dimensions or for
estimating; a wide range of computer controlled, electronic, and
manual dimensioning aids are available. Even though these tools
usually provide enough accuracy for estimating and general drawings, always refer to the architectural plans for exact dimensions
and details. Various scaling tools are available to increase accuracy
and speed when estimating; see Figure 8.4.
Architect’s Scale
There are several versions of the architect’s scale; the most commonly used is triangular with 11 different scales, one being a
full-size ruler. Common plan scales are shown in Figure 8.5.
The end of each scale has a fraction that designates the particular scale. In residential construction, 1>4″ = 1′ is the most
common scale used on working drawings, as shown in Figure 8 .6.
However, some plan sheets, depending on paper size, build -
ing size, and objects represented, may use 1>8″ = 1′ or other
scales. Be sure to check each sheet for the appropriate scale before taking measurements.
Pro f ession a l T i p
Written plan dimensions always take precedence over scaled
and measured dimensions. Variations in printing and paper
can decrease the accuracy of measuring and scaling dimensions from a physical plan set
