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
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”
Guidance notes to prepare for April ERA changes
From the Electrical Contractors' Association Employee Relations team.
Significant changes to be seen from the new ERA in 2026 and 2027, starting on 6 April 2026.
First aid in the modern workplace with St John Ambulance.
Ireland's National Residential Retrofit Plan
Staged initiatives introduced step by step.
Solar panels, pitched roofs and risk of fire spread
60% increase in solar panel fires prompts tests and installation warnings.
Modernising heat networks with Heat interface unit
Why HIUs hold the key to efficiency upgrades.
Reflecting on the work of the CIOB Academy
Looking back on 2025 and where it's going next.
Procurement in construction: Knowledge hub
Brief, overview, key articles and over 1000 more covering procurement.
Sir John Betjeman’s love of Victorian church architecture.