Examine the engineer scale's prism design by spinning the scale to evaluate its six measuring edges, which are labeled 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60. An identified value must be multiplied by 10. For example, 1 foot equals 10 feet.
Determine the measurement points based on the ratio provided on design plans or blueprints. If the ratio is listed at 1-to-10, then 1 inch equals 10 feet. Locate the edge of the scale labeled "10" for measuring purposes; its hash marks that fall between the whole numbers represent individual feet. For example, a point that measures to two hash marks to the right of the number six equals 62 feet.
Practice using the engineer scale with design plans or blueprints that list different ratios. Use all six edges of the scale using the ratios provided to measure points accurately. Use only the edge of the scale indicated on the plans or blueprints to avoid confusion in sizing.