Best Precision Ruler

Precision ruler gives you precision graduation. If you magnify the graduation of a precision ruler, you will see it’s marked carefully and looks neat. High precision machine must be required to put this kind of graduation. The precise markings make it a precision ruler.

This ruler is an important tool in a workshop, used by machinists, metalworkers, woodworkers, engineers, etc. Machinists, especially, require a repeatable precision tool to make sure their other tools are in shape. That is why this precision ruler is also called machinist ruler.

Accurate rulers for machinists are generally 6 inches or 4 inches long, short enough to save in the pocket. They are made from stainless steel, which makes them very durable and stable. Some products are rigid but some are flexible (spring). Further, some products allow you to use it to check the straightness and flatness of a surface as well.

If you have a plastic ruler, wood ruler, or general metal ruler, you can check the accuracy of their graduation by comparing them to this precision ruler. By using at least a loupe, you can discover how the markings of the graduation are separated equally or not. Any tool that features a ruler / scale can be checked its accuracy with this precision ruler.

There are many rulers who claim precision rulers. We work hard to save you time. Further research to the official site and video review is required. Finally, we serve you these 10 precision rulers. Some are excellent and pricey. But some are affordable and good to accompany your work.

metal ruler

Top 10 Best Precision Rulers in 2025

ProductsPicturesRangeSpecial FeaturePrice
1. Mitutoyo 182-207 Mitutoyo 182-207 Metric and Inch Precision Ruler 6 inches - Best Overall6 inches
&
150mm
Very accurate graduationsPrice!
2. Starrett C305R-6 Precision Ruler
Starrett C305R-6 Precision Ruler6 InchFeature Single Row of SixPrice!
3. Starrett C330-300Ruler Starrett Full Flexible Steel Rule with Satin Chrome Finish, Quick Reading, and Millimeter Graduations - 300mm Length, 30 Graduation Type, 0.4mm Thickness - C330-300150 mmSatin chrome finishPrice!
4. Mitutoyo 182-111 Precision Ruler Mitutoyo 182-111, Steel Rule, 150mm, (1mm, 1/2mm), 1.2mm Thick X 19mm Wide, Satin Chrome Finish Tempered Stainless Steel150 mmSatin chrome finishPrice!
5. General Tools 676 Precision RulerGeneral Industrial Steel Rules, 6 in (318-676)6 InchesRigidPrice!
6. PEC (Products Engineering) RulerMade in USA PEC 66 InchesBrushed FinishPrice!
7. Mitutoyo 182-101 Precision Ruler Mitutoyo 182-101 Machinist Precision Ruler6 InchesClear graduationsPrice!
8. Starrett C635-150 Ruler
Starrett C635-150 Ruler150 mmHigh ReadabilityPrice!
9. Starrett C604R-6 Precision
Starrett C604R-6 Precision Ruler6 InchesSpring TemperedPrice!
10. Mitutoyo 182-501-50 Precision Ruler Mitutoyo 182-501-50 Standard Scale 250mm Range 1mm Resolution 280mm Over All Length 20mm Width 10mm Thickness250 mm /530mmHigh Accuracy GuaranteedPrice!

1. Mitutoyo 182-207 Metric and Inch Precision Ruler 6″ [Best Overall]

Mitutoyo 182-207 Metric and Inch Precision Ruler 6 inches - Best Overall

 

Our top product on the list is the Mitutoyo 182-207 Precision Ruler. This 6-inch ruler is ideal if you are looking for a ruler that can easily help you measure microscopic objects. This is because it offers you graduations of 1/10th and 1/100th of an inch along with 1 mm and 0.5 mm graduations that are incredibly accurate. It gives you an accuracy of +.004″ / –.0035″ (+0.1 mm / –0.09 mm).

The ruler is made from tempered stainless steel and covered with a satin chrome finish that prevents glare. The graduations on this ruler are very crisp and easy to read due to the alternating tick lengths.

Spec

  • Cover both metric and imperial reading
  • Accuracy: +.004″ / –.0035″ or +0.1mm / –0.09mm
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Pros:

  • Comes with both mm and inches
  • Easy to read
  • No glare

Cons:

  • Available in 6-inch variant only

2. Starrett C305R-6 Precision Ruler

Starrett C305R-6 Precision Ruler

If you need an accurate machinist ruler that offers you readings that are finer than 1/64th of an inch and is still very accurate and reliable, then this one is ideal for you. This is because it offers readings of up to 1/10th and 1/100th of an inch. Isn’t it incredible? With this ruler, you can even take microscopic readings that are still very reliable.

It gives you a range of about 6 inches with a 5R graduation style. You get a satin chrome finish on a stainless steel build that is rust-free and easy to clean. In addition, the manufacturer offers you a one-year warranty with this ruler.

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Pros:

  • 5R graduation style
  • Perfect finish
  • One year warranty

Cons:

  • A bit pricey

3. Starrett C330-300 Precision Ruler

Starrett Full Flexible Steel Rule with Satin Chrome Finish, Quick Reading, and Millimeter Graduations - 300mm Length, 30 Graduation Type, 0.4mm Thickness - C330-300

When it comes to measuring tools like precision rulers, Starrett is considered the top brand that is known for its high-quality products. So, our next product is also from Starrett. The Starrett C330-300 comes with a range of 300mm, which is about 12 inches. You get ½ mm graduations on one side of the ruler and both ½ mm and 1 mm graduations on the other. You get a single row of inches on it too.

Talking about the build quality, this ruler is made from corrosion-resistant high-quality stainless steel and is coated with a satin chrome finish. This tool is perfect for taking quick readings due to the high readability and fine graduations.

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Pros:

  • No glare satin chrome finish
  • Very precise graduations
  • Easy to read

Cons:

  • You don’t get fractional inch graduations on it.

4. Mitutoyo 182-111 Precision Ruler [Metric Reading Only]

Mitutoyo 182-111, Steel Rule, 150mm, (1mm, 1/2mm), 1.2mm Thick X 19mm Wide, Satin Chrome Finish Tempered Stainless Steel

Next on the list is the Mitutoyo 182-111 Precision Ruler, which gives you a range of 150 mm or 6 inches. This ruler is made from tempered stainless steel. It is very rigid and durable as well, which makes it last longer. The  accuracy of markings of the Mitutoyo 182-111 precision ruler is +.004″ / –.0035″ (+0.1 mm / –0.09 mm). You get 0.5mm and 1 mm readings on both sides of the ruler.

The satin chrome finish prevents the glaring of light on the surface, as a light reflection may be an issue while taking measurements.

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Pros:

  • Easy to read
  • High Accuracy
  • Non-reflective surface

Cons:

  • You don’t get fractional inch graduations on it.

5. General Tools 676 Precision Ruler

General Industrial Steel Rules, 6 in (318-676)

The General Tools 676 Precision Ruler is a 6-inch/150mm ruler with a stainless steel build. Fine back graduations are etched on it that are not only very easy to read but also won’t blur out over time. On the ruler, you get graduations of 1/4th, 1/8th, 1/16th, 1/32, and 1/64th of an inch. The other side of the ruler is blank.

You get a brushed finish on the surface. The rigid structure of the ruler makes it easier to take precise readings. Due to very fine lines and micro graduations, you can also measure microscopic objects.

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Pros:

  • Offers fine graduations up to 1/64th of an inch
  • Rigid structure
  • Stainless steel build

Cons:

  • A brushed finish may result in producing glare

6. PEC (Products Engineering) Ruler

Made in USA PEC 6

If you are looking for an affordable ruler that offers you very small graduations, this can be a perfect option. The PEC (Product Engineering) ruler. This ruler is made from stainless steel that is tempered and hardened. On one side of the ruler, you get 1/32 and 1/64th inch reading and 1/8th and 1/16th inch reading on the other. The edges of the ruler are ground flat.

You get a brushed finish on the ruler along with etched and black-filled graduations that are long-lasting. This ruler can serve the purpose if you don’t want to buy a very expensive ruler.

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Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Accurate readings
  • Hardened stainless steel build

Cons:

  • A brushed finish may result in producing glare

7. Mitutoyo 182-101 Precision Ruler

Mitutoyo 182-101 Machinist Precision Ruler

Our next choice is the 6-inch Mitutoyo Precision Ruler for machinists, which offers precise readings of up to 1/64th inch. The material of this ruler is also stainless steel that is tempered and finished with satin chrome to prevent light reflection and glare. On one side of the precision ruler, you get readings of  1/8th and 1/16th of an inch, while on the other side, you get markings of 1/32th and 1/64th of an inch.

Furthermore, this 0.75inch wide ruler is a very handy tool to help you with your high-precision measurements. It has clear and crisp graduations that are easy to read.

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Pros:

  • Comfortable to hold
  • Very precise and crisp markings
  • Rigid

Cons:

  • You don’t get mm markings on this ruler

8. Starrett C635-150 Ruler

Starrett C635-150 Ruler

If you want a ruler with readings in mm instead of inches, the Starrett C635-150 can be the one. It is a 150mm ruler with mm readings from left to right and right to left. Just like other Starrett products, this ruler is also premium quality and has very crisp graduations on it. You get 1mm readings on one edge and right to left on the other edge.

The graduations are made in a way that maximizes the readability by keeping the numbers at a considerable distance so they don’t mix up. The build of this ruler is stainless steel that is coated with satin chrome. This Starrett ruler is flexible.

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Pros:

  • Premium graduation
  • Easy to read
  • Durable

Cons:

  • A bit pricey

9. Starrett C604R-6 Precision Ruler

Starrett C604R-6 Precision Ruler

Our next product on the list is a 6-inch Starrett ruler. The Starrett C604R-6 Precision ruler is made from stainless steel and comes with a regular steel finish. To make this ruler much tough and more rigid, it is spring tempered as well. This handy little tool won’t take much space and will still get the job done just the way you want it.

Moreover, the graduation style of this ruler is 4R, which allows you to measure in fractions of an inch. It is available in both Metric and English graduations for the convenience of users.

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Pros:

  • Distinctive numbering
  • High Readability
  • Standard markings

Cons:

  • Pricey

10. Mitutoyo 182-501-50 Standard Scale (Most Accurate)

Mitutoyo 182-501-50 Standard Scale 250mm Range 1mm Resolution 280mm Over All Length 20mm Width 10mm Thickness

Last but not least, we have the Mitutoyo 182-501-50 precision ruler, a high-end tool made from low expansion glass. This premium scale offers you a range of 250mm. It is manufactured with linear scale production technology and comes with a Japanese certificate. It offers you incredible accuracy of (0.5+L/1000) µm.

The Mitutoyo 182-501-50 precision ruler is used as a tool for calibrating other scales with high accuracy. You get graduations of 1 mm on it, which are about 4 micrometers thick. You can also get the 530 mm version (Mitutoyo 182-502-50) of this scale.

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Pros:

  • Made from low expansion glass
  • It can be used for calibrating
  • Extremely fine graduations

Cons:

  • Expensive

Mitutoyo 182-207 Vs. Starrett C305R

If you are interested in Mitutoyo 182-207 and Starrett C305R but not sure which one to choose, the following video may help you decide.

Starrett C604RE Vs. PEC Vs. General Tools 676

A precision ruler is not always expensive. You can opt PEC or General Tools 676. Wondering how they look like? These are the look of Starrett C604RE, PEC, and General Tools 676.

What to Consider When Buying Precision Ruler

Given below is a list of some really important features that you need to look for while choosing a precision ruler for a machinist.

1. Accuracy

The main purpose of a machinist or engineer ruler is to serve graduation accuracy. Therefore, the best machinist rulers must have good accuracy in their graduation (marking lines). You can check what accuracy that your product company claim. Further, you can send your ruler to a calibration lab.

2. Readability (Quality of the Markings)

Readability is another significant factor to consider. The more neat the markings, the better it is. Whether it’s etched or embossed, if magnified, you can see how the markings look like. The quality of marking color also plays a significant factor to improve the visibility of graduation.

3. Material and Finish

Stainless steel or brass rulers are the best as they can last ages. Make sure they do not have a shiny or reflective coating, so you don’t face any difficulty while taking the measurements. A satin chrome finish prevents the surface of the ruler from reflecting any light and is ideal to use when the light is coming from the top of working surface.

4. Metric or Imperial Graduation?

Some precision rulers are manufactured in imperial or metric. Even, some provide both graduations. If you are familiar with inch graduation, make sure your ruler is in inch.

Conclusion

So, this is all about the best accurate rulers for machinists; we hope that you find this page useful for you, and you can now choose a good ruler depending on your requirements. Buying a high-quality, accurate ruler will make your task of taking precise measurements very easy and will save you a lot of money. A certain precision ruler can be your straight edge as well because it’s very well manufactured. Please, check the straightness specification of the ruler before buying.

If you are still unsure about which one you should get, then we have some recommendations for you. As the best overall accurate ruler, we have the Mitutoyo 182-207 Precision Ruler, which comes with very prominent and precise graduations in both mm and inches. The surface of this ruler is not reflective at all and comes with a satin chrome finish. Another great option is the Starrett C305R-6 Precision Ruler. If you are looking for a ruler that has an affordable price, then you should go for the PEC (Products Engineering) Ruler.

Buying a precision ruler for your jobs or projects is an important to decide whether your length measuring tools are accurate or not. Tools such as tape measures, framing square, double square, speed square, combination square, etc employ similar graduation (metric and inch) and can be objects to compare with this precision ruler.

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