T-square
A T-square is a t-shaped guide that can be used to draw horizontal and vertical lines perpendicular to a straight edge. This can be useful in the manual drafting of drawings.
The shorter ‘top’ part of the T (sometimes referred to has the head or stock) protrudes down from the surface of longer ‘blade’ of the T-square and can be pushed against the straight edge of a board such as a drawing board and moved up and down, providing a guide for drawing lines. It can be used in conjunction with other devices such as set-squares to draw lines that are not parallel to the edges of the board.
T-squares can offer a simple alternative to parallel motions, which are built into more sophisticated drawing boards.
T-squares are typically made from wood or metal and may include markings to allow measurement.
T-squares may also be used in construction for marking out lines perpendicular to the edges of boards such as plasterboard to ensure accurate cutting.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Blueprint.
- Drawing board.
- Manual drafting techniques.
- Model.
- North American Paper Sizes
- Paper sizes.
- Parallel motion.
- Perspective.
- Projections.
- Scale drawing.
- Scale rule.
- Scale.
- Symbols on architectural drawings.
- Technical drawing pen sizes.
- Technical drawing.
- Techniques for drawing buildings.
- Types of drawing.
Featured articles and news
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.
The changed R&D tax landscape for Architects
Specialist gives a recap on the changes via the ACA newsletter.
Structured product data as a competitive advantage
NBS explain why accessible product data that works across digital systems is key.
Welsh retrofit workforce assessment
Welsh Government report confirms Wales faces major electrical skills shortage, warns ECA.
A now architectural practice looks back at its concept project for a sustainable oceanic settlement 25 years on.
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence
Government report and back track on copyright opt out for AI training but no clear preferred alternative as yet.
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
Inspiration for a new 2026 wave of Irish construction professionals.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.