Unit 2 Lesson 3: Metrology

Table of Contents

Introduction 2

Essential Questions 3

Bench Marks 3

General Notes 4

Overlook 5

Blueprint 6

Gear Up! 12

Check Up 18

Production Time 19

Recap 20

Bibliography 24

Glossary 24

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GRADE 7/8

Metrology Around Us

Introduction

Fig. 1 Carpenters measuring lumber SOURCE: pixabay.com

Imagine the world of carpentry without proper measurement - the tables will be crooked, the
chairs will not be comfortable, the floors will creak, and so many more unfortunate
consequences. Hence, carpenters must make sure that all the measurements are perfect for
the betterment of the project and the safety of their clients. In this chapter, you will learn
about the different measuring instruments, carrying out measurements and calculations,
solving for different measurements in carpentry, and converting measurements.

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 Essential Questions
● What are the different measuring instruments used in the practice of carpentry?
● How do you select the appropriate linear measuring instrument for a carpentry project?
● Why do you need to select the appropriate linear measuring instrument?
● How do you carry out measurements and calculations in carpentry?
● How do you measure given materials in carpentry?
● Why do you need to measure carpentry materials?
● How do you convert measurements to its equivalent unit or system?
● Why do you need to convert measurements?
● What are the different units of measurement?
● How do you calculate the amount of materials for a carpentry task?
● What are the different formulas used in carpentry measurement?

Bench Marks
In this lesson, you should be able to:
● Perform four fundamental operations;
● Apply four fundamental operations to simple calculations involving whole numbers,
mixed numbers, fractions and decimals;
● Recognize the differences between English Unit of measurement and the Metric
System;
● Perform conversion of units using formulas;
● Convert English measurements to metric measurements in accordance to
procedure;
● Identify different measuring instruments used in carpentry;
● Select appropriate linear measuring instrument for carpentry project;
● Carry out measurements and calculations in carpentry;
● Recall different formulas used in carpentry measurement; and
● Apply different mathematical formulas in the practice of carpentry.

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 General Notes
● The four fundamental operations are addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
● Addition is the process of computing for the sum of two or more numbers by getting
the total of combined values.
● Subtraction is the process of computing for the difference of two or more numbers by
taking away values.
● Multiplication is the process of combining numbers to get the product.
● Division is the process of separating a number by another number to get the quotient.
● Metrology comes from the greek word metron which means measure and the english
word logy which means study.
● From the etymology of the word metrology, the definition of metrology is the study
of measurement.
● Metrology is an all encompassing branch of science that deals with different types of
quantities. That is why there is metrology of length, metrology of time, medical
metrology engineering metrology and so much more.
● Basically, there is metrology in all fields of study where there is a need to measure
something accurately to obtain favorable results. For example, a nurse should
measure a patient’s temperature to determine whether or not the patient is suffering
from fever.
● The study of metrology is significant because it is the science that enables human
to accurately synchronize their lives with a consistent set of measurement
standards. For example, six o’clock in the evening for two people as long as they are in
the same time zones.
● In its dictionary meaning, a polygon is a plane figure with at least three straight sides
and angles, and typically five or more while a solid figure is a three dimensional object
with a width, depth and height.
● The pi π is approximately 3.14285714286 or 22 7
● whole number is another term for integers or counting numbers with no fractions and
decimals.
● A mixed number is composed of a whole number and a fraction.
● A fraction is a quantity that represents the quotient of two numbers.
● A decimal is a type of fraction expressed by figures and a decimal point.
● Stock-up is a condition where the mobility of a movable measuring instruments is
restricted because of rust or dirt.
● Grits are small particles such as sand or lumber dust that can be harmful to certain
carpentry tools if not cleaned out.

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 ● The english system originated in England while the metric system was developed in
France.
● A job order contains the specific tasks and projects that a carpenter should perform.

Overlook

Fig. 2 A measuring tape SOURCE: pixabay.com

This chapter is all about measuring instrument tools that are used in carpentry. To find
meaning and deeper appreciation for the concepts in this chapter, you must research about
different measuring tools such as pull-push ruler, ruler, meter stick, caliper, zigzag ruler, try
square, divider, compass, and protractor. On a sheet of paper, list down all your observations
about these instruments. What are their similarities? What are their differences? Which one
do you think is the best measuring instrument? What are the different purposes of these
instruments? Share your findings with your seatmate.

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 Blueprint

Fig. 3 Student enjoying mathematics SOURCE: pixabay.com

Selecting Measurement Instrument

In carpentry, there is one challenge before you can start measuring materials for your project
- you must choose the most appropriate measuring instrument for the task. The correct
instrument must be chosen in accordance to the job requirements. The importance of this
selection will result in a higher quality of product and more accurate measurements. Table 1
summarizes the different measuring instruments.

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 Image Measuring Instrument Purpose
commonly used for measuring long
distances. A pull-push ruler is made up
pull-push ruler of a housing and a coil spring ruler
that can be extended. When not in
use, the coil spring should be put back
inside the housing and locked.
a measuring instrument that can be
folded. It is very handy for carpenters
zig zag ruler who usually travel with numerous
tools to have a zig zag ruler that can fit
perfectly in their kits.

usually used for measuring short

ruler distances. It can also be used as a
guide for marking tools to be able to
draw a line on the lumber.

widely used for measuring diameter of

lumber that are circular in nature. The
caliper clamp-like structure of the caliper can
be adjusted to fit the diameter of the
material.

is a measuring instrument that is used

try square for checking the flatness and/or
squareness of a material.

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 meter stick useful in measuring materials that are
one meter in length.

divider is used for dividing distances which is

useful in marking.

is perfect for scribing arcs and circles.

compass A pencil is usually attached to a
compass to mark lumber in a circular
motion.

an instrument which is mainly used for

protractor determining angles. Angles are
measured in degrees.
Table 1. Measuring instruments source: pixabay.com

Measuring instruments are probably the most utilized among all the carpentry tools. Thus, a
carpenter must take care of these measuring instruments. In general, the carpenter must
wipe or clean the tools before putting them in a safe and clean storage room. Other
measuring instruments require special attention. Instruments with movable parts such as the
zigzag ruler, calipers, dividers, and compassed should be oiled to prevent stock-up.
Furthermore, even if the caliper looks like tongs, it should only be used for measuring
diameter.
The pull-push ruler is one of the most useful measuring instruments because it could

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measure long distances. A carpenter must take care of this measuring instrument with three
rules to keep in mind:
1. To halt the deterioration of graduations, grits such as sand should not infiltrate
the housing or case of the push-pull ruler.
2. Always examine the efficiency of the lock of a push-pull ruler.
3. Do not over extend the steel tape of a pull-push ruler to protect the coil spring
from damage.
The carpenter must also be wary with injuries that might come his way in handling measuring
instruments. Always keep in mind to clean the tools with the proper cleaning materials such
as rag or a piece of cloth. Never wipe the edges of sharp instruments with bare hands to avoid
injury.

Linear Measurements of Lumber

Lumber is the main material in the practice of carpentry. The lumber is a beautiful yet
complicated material. And before you can turn it into something magnificent such as
furniture, you must learn how to identify the six faces of lumber for measurement purposes.
Once you master these linear measurements, job orders will be easier to understand and
communication with clients will become clearer. For example, the job order requires the
carpenter to trim the length of the edges of the lumber. The carpenter can easily recall which
part of the lumber is the edge by applying his knowledge in the linear measurement for the
six faces of lumber.

In reference to the image above, the linear measurements are:

1. A to B gives you Length (L)
2. C to D gives you Width (W)
3. E to F gives you Thickness (T) or Height (H)

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You can also refer to AB as End 1 to End 2, CD as Edge 1 to Edge 2, and EF as Surface 1 to
Surface 2.

System of Measurements
There are two most common units of measurement: The English Unit of Measurement and
the Metric System. The English Unit of Measurement is the most commonly used system of
measurement in the United States and a standardized set of measures for different quantities
such as length, weight, and volume. On the other hand, the Metric System is the
measurement system of the majority of countries that utilizes decimalised basic units.
Compared to the English Unit of Measurement, the metric system is more convenient to use
especially for scientific purposes. The rationale behind this is the so-called decimalised basic
units that takes advantage of the powers of ten. Hence, conversion may be done by the mere
moving of decimal points from one number to another. Consequently, the Metric System is
often referred to as the SI or the International System of Units because of its universality.

Table 1 provides a summary of the unit conversion in the English Unit of Measurement while
table 2 contains the metric system. Notice that the metric system uses the powers of 10 in
their conversion and the most basic unit is the meter (m).

Length Mass
1 foot (ft) = 12 inches (in) 1 ounce (oz) = 16 drams

1 yard (yd) = 3 feet (ft) 1 pound (lb) = 16 ounces

1 rod = 5.5 yards = 16.5 feet 1 hundredweight (short) = 100 pounds

1 chain = 4 rods = 66 feet = 100 links 1 hundredweight (long) = 112 pounds

1 furlong = 10 chains = 40 rods = 660 feet 1 ton (short) = 2000 pounds

1 mile = 8 furlongs = 80 chains = 320 rods 1 ton (long) = 2240 pounds

= 1760 yards = 5280 feet
Table 2. English Unit of Measurement

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 Length Mass
1,000 millimeters (mm) = 1 meter 1 gram = 1,000 milligrams (mg)

100 centimeters (cm) = 1 meter 1 gram = 100 centigrams (cg)

10 decimeters (dm) = 1 meter 1 kilogram (kg) = 1,000 grams

1 dekameter (dam) = 10 meters 1 metric ton (t) = 1,000 kilograms

1 hectometer (hm) = 100 meters

1 kilometer (km) = 1000 meters

Table 3. Metric System

Conversion from English Unit of Measurement to Metric System and vice versa
English Unit of Measurement Metric System
39.37 inches 1 meter
3.2808 feet 1 meter
1 mile 1609.4 meters
1 pound 0.4536 kilograms
1.1023 tons (short) 1 metric ton
Table 4. Conversion Factors

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 Gear Up!

Reading of Measurements

In carpentry, even up to the last decimal value is important. When the measuring instrument
only shows whole numbers of a unit, this unit is still divided into segments called graduations
which represent a proper fraction.

Step 1: Put the measuring instrument flatly on the material that you are going to measure.

Step 2: Make sure that the first end is at “0”

Step 3: Look at the value on the other end and take note of the whole number measured

Step 4: Check if the other end falls on a graduation

Ruler for inch and its graduation

Ruler for centimeter and millimeter

Step 5: If you prefer the decimal form of the graduation which is a fraction, simply divide the
numerator with the denominator. The quotient is the decimal equivalent of the fraction.

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Step 6: Duly record the measurements on your notebook or record book.

Sample Conversions
A. Feet to inches

For Example: 5 feet = _________ inches

Step 1: Take note of the conversion factor

1 foot = 12 inches

Step 2: Multiply with their corresponding unit of measurement and conversion factor
12 inches
5 feet x f eet = 60 inches

Step 3: Write the complete answer

The answer is 60 inches.

B. Inch to feet

For Example: 72 inches = _________ feet

Step 1: Take note of the conversion factor

1 foot = 12 inches

Step 2: Divide with their corresponding unit of measurement and conversion factor
72 inches
12 inches = 6 feet
f eet

Step 3: Write the complete answer

The answer is 6 feet

C. Centimeter to millimeter

For Example: 23 centimeters = _________ millimeters

Step 1: Take note of the conversion factor

1 centimeter = 10 millimeter

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 Step 2: Multiply with their corresponding unit of measurement and conversion factor
10 millimeters
23 centimeters x centimeters = 230 millimeters

Step 3: Write the complete answer

The answer is 230 millimeters.

D. Inch to centimeter

For Example: 18 inches = _________centimeters

Step 1: Take note of the conversion factor

1 inch = 2.54 centimeters

Step 2: Multiply with their corresponding unit of measurement and conversion factor
2.54 centimeters
18 inches x inches = 45.72 inches

Step 3: Write the complete answer

The answer is 45.72 inches

Calculating Board foot of Lumber

Despite the preference of many towards the Metric System, the board foot as a unit of
measure for volume of lumber is still widely used in the carpentry industry. The rationale
behind this is that lumbers are sold in terms of board foot. Furniture and cabinet makers and
construction industry adhere to board foot as a unit of measure. A board foot is one square
foot of lumber of one inch thick. The formula for solving board foot is being used for sawed
wood of commercial dimension.

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The formula used in computing board foot is:

Board Foot (Bd. Ft.) = T x 12

W xL
; In this equation, the T stands for the thickness of the lumber in
inches, W stands for the width in inches, and L stands for the length in feet.

For Example: Compute for the board foot of lumber whose thickness is 10 inches, width of 20
inches, and length of 60 inches.

Step 1: Identify the data given in the problem

T = 10 inches; W = 20 inches; L = 60 inches

Step 2: Determine the missing variable

The Board Foot value is the missing variable

Step 3: Write the formula

Board Foot (Bd. Ft.) = T xW xL
12

Step 4: Use the process of substitution with the given data, then solve
Board Foot (Bd. Ft.) = T x 12
W xL

Board Foot (Bd. Ft.) = 10 inches x 20 inches

12
x 60 inches

= 12000 cubic
12
inches

= 1000 cubic inches or board foot

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Step 5: Write your answer in a complete format
The answer is 6000 board foot.

Try This!

1. Enumerate the different units of measurement under the Metric System.

2. What are the differences between the English Unit of Measurement and the Metric
System?
3. What is a zigzag ruler?
4. What is the importance of a protractor?
5. Why is it necessary to attach a pencil to a compass?

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 Tinker Time!

Fig. 4. Measuring a sandwich SOURCE: pixabay.com

Your task is to solve the board foot of lumber using real lumber. First, look for a lumber
around the school or community. Then, get its thickness, length, and width. You may use a
ruler or any other measuring instrument discussed in this chapter in performing this activity.
You need to prove to your teacher that you were able to properly measure the lumber. The
context you find yourself is performing one of the tasks of a real-life carpenter. You will solve
for the board foot of lumber without the help of a calculator. On a piece of paper, you will
state where you found the lumber and briefly describe its characteristics. Include your
calculations on the same piece of paper. Your teacher will judge your work if you solved for
the correct value of the board foot of lumber.

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 Check Up

A. True or False
1. A pull-push ruler is commonly used for measuring short distances.
2. A zigzag ruler is rigid and cannot be folded.
3. A ruler is the only measuring instrument that can be used for marking.
4. In terms of appearance, the compass and divider are very alike.
5. Measuring instruments must be taken care of.
6. Stock-up is a good condition for measuring instruments.
7. Ends, surfaces, and edges are parts of lumber.
8. The metric system is also called the SI unit of measurement.
9. A yard is equivalent to three feet.
10. Sixteen ounces is equivalent to a pound.

B. Answer the following questions.

1. How long is a mile when converted to feet?

2. What is a graduation in terms of reading measurement?
3. How do you convert a fraction to a decimal?
4. Why is board foot commonly used in the carpentry industry?
5. What is the formula for the board foot of lumber?

C. Answer the following questions.

1. What is the width of a lumber given the following data: thickness of 8 inches,
length of 20 inches, and board foot of 400 Bd. ft.?
2. Why do you need to take note of the graduations in reading measurement?
3. A cheetah ran a distance of 3 miles. What is 3 miles when converted to feet?
4. What is the reason why you cannot over extend a pull-push ruler?
5. Why are grits harmful to a push-pull ruler?

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 Production Time
Your Very Own Measuring Instrument Portfolio

Your task is to create a portfolio of measuring instruments in carpentry. Your goal is to

summarize all the learning that you found in this chapter in the portfolio. As the creator
of this portfolio, you have to draw the measuring instruments, label the instruments,
write the intended purpose of the measuring tools, and how you are going to take care
of these instruments. You need to convince your teacher that you were able to apply
the learnings from this unit to this project. The context you find yourself in comparable
to a carpenter who makes an inventory of all his measuring tools. Your work will be
judged using the following rubric:
[2] [3] [4]
[1]
Criteria Needs Successful Exemplary Rating
Below expectations
Improvement performance performance
The drawing does The drawing has The drawing has an The drawing
not have any artistic little artistic touch. artistic touch, exceeded artistic
Creativity (Drawing) touch. expectations

The findings cannot The findings can The findings can be The findings can
be understood by a only be understood understood. easily be
Comprehensiveness reasonable person. by few people. understood.

The findings do not The findings The findings The findings

contain any contain few contain enough contain all
Application of the concepts concepts from the concepts from the concepts from the concepts from the
chapter. chapter. chapter. chapter.

The findings are not The findings are The findings are The findings
Presentation of the Findings presentable. slightly presentable. presentable. exceeded the
expectations of
the teacher.

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 Recap
Image Measuring Instrument Purpose
pull-push ruler commonly used for measuring long
distances. A pull-push ruler is made up
of a housing and a coil spring ruler
that can be extended. When not in
use, the coil spring should be put back
inside the housing and locked.
zig zag ruler a measuring instrument that can be
folded. It is very handy for carpenters
who usually travel with numerous
tools to have a zig zag ruler that can fit
perfectly in their kits.

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 ruler usually used for measuring short
distances. It can also be used as a
guide for marking tools to be able to
draw a line on the lumber.

caliper widely used for measuring diameter of

lumber that are circular in nature. The
clamp-like structure of the caliper can
be adjusted to fit the diameter of the
material.
try square is a measuring instrument that is used
for checking the flatness and/or
squareness of a material.

meter stick useful in measuring materials that are

one meter in length.

divider is used for dividing distances which is

useful in marking.

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 compass is perfect for scribing arcs and circles.
A pencil is usually attached to a
compass to mark lumber in a circular
motion.

protractor an instrument which is mainly used for

determining angles. Angles are
measured in degree.

English Unit of Measurement

Length Mass
1 foot (ft) = 12 inches (in) 1 ounce (oz) = 16 drams

1 yard (yd) = 3 feet (ft) 1 pound (lb) = 16 ounces

1 rod = 5.5 yards = 16.5 feet 1 hundredweight (short) = 100 pounds

1 chain = 4 rods = 66 feet = 100 links 1 hundredweight (long) = 112 pounds

1 furlong = 10 chains = 40 rods = 660 feet 1 ton (short) = 2000 pounds

1 mile = 8 furlongs = 80 chains = 320 rods 1 ton (long) = 2240 pounds

= 1760 yards = 5280 feet

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Metric System
Length Mass
1,000 millimeters (mm) = 1 meter 1 gram = 1,000 milligrams (mg)

100 centimeters (cm) = 1 meter 1 gram = 100 centigrams (cg)

10 decimeters (dm) = 1 meter 1 kilogram (kg) = 1,000 grams

1 dekameter (dam) = 10 meters 1 metric ton (t) = 1,000 kilograms

1 hectometer (hm) = 100 meters

1 kilometer (km) = 1000 meters

Conversion from English Unit of Measurement to Metric System and vice versa
English Unit of Measurement Metric System
39.37 inches 1 meter
3.2808 feet 1 meter
1 mile 1609.4 meters
1 pound 0.4536 kilograms
1.1023 tons (short) 1 metric ton

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 Bibliography
Department of Education. “K to 12: Technology and Livelihood Education Learning Module:
Electrical Installation and Maintenance.” Manila: Department of Education.

Department of Transportation. “Appendix G: Units of Measure.” Accessed November 9, 2018.

url:http://www.dot.state.wy.us/files/live/sites/wydot/files/shared/Highway_Developmen
t/Surveys/Survey%20Manual/Appendix%20G%20-%20Units%20of%20Measure.pdf.

French College of Metrology. 2006. Metrology in Industry: The Key for Quality. Indiana: Author
House.

Horst Czichos, et al. 2011. Springer Handbook of Metrology and Testing. New York: Springer.

Riley, J.W. (1905). “Carpentry and Joiner.” New York: The Macmillan Company.

Glossary

Addition is the process of computing for the sum of two or more numbers by getting the total
of combined values.
Caliper is used for measuring diameter.
Compass is used for scribing arcs and circles.
Decimal is a type of fraction expressed by figures and a decimal point.
Divider is used for dividing distances .
Division is the process of separating a number by another number to get the quotient.

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English Unit of Measurement is the most commonly used system of measurement in the
United States and a standardized set of measures for different quantities such as length,
weight and volume.
Fraction it is a quantity that represents the quotient of two numbers.
International System of Units is another term for the Metric System.
Meter Stick is used in measuring materials that are one meter in length.
Metric System is the measurement system of the majority of countries that utilizes
decimalised basic units.
Metrology is the study of measurement.
Measuring Tools is used to measure lumber to know where to cut or trim.
Mixed number is composed of a whole number and a fraction.
Multiplication is the process of combining numbers to get the product.
Protractor is used for determining angles.
Pull-push Ruler is a ruler that exhibits tape-like mechanism that slides into materials that can
measure long distances and different shapes.
Ruler is used for measuring short distances.
Subtraction is the process of computing for the difference of two or more numbers by taking
away values.
Tools are hand-held devices or implements that are used by a practitioner for their specific
purposes.
Try Square is used for checking the flatness or squareness.
Whole number is another term for integers or counting numbers with no fractions and
decimals.
Zigzag Ruler is a measuring instrument that can be folded.

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