Free printable
Miniature scale ruler
Hold it up to any piece and read its real-life size. Six rulers on one page: 1:6, 1:12, 1:24 and 1:48 in feet, plus 1:12 and 1:24 in metres.
Download the ruler
One page, PDF. Free for personal use.
Print in landscape at 100% (“Actual size”).
How to use it
- Print it at 100%, not “Fit to page.”
- Measure the two squares at the top: they should be exactly 1 in and 2 cm. If not, check your print settings.
- Cut out the rulers on the dashed lines and glue them to cardstock so they stay stiff.
- Line up 0 with the edge of the piece and read the number: that's its size in real life.
Try it
- Check a chair. On the 1:12 ruler, a dining chair seat should land near the half-foot mark after 1, about 1½ ft (18 in). Much lower or higher means a different scale.
- Check doll furniture. On the 1:6 ruler, the top of a dining table for fashion dolls should read about 2½ ft (30 in).
- Shop secondhand with confidence. Take the ruler to yard sales and thrift stores to check pieces before you buy.