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
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.