Easily Add Fractions for Woodworking Projects
George VondriskaDescription
Adding fractions can be frustrating, but it’s a necessary evil in woodworking (At least until we change to the metric system). Here’s a really fast and easy way to add fractional measurements, without even doing any math. All it takes are a couple of rulers. Use them the right way, and you can direct read the answer. Easy peezy.
If you wanna go electronic…
This system works really well, but I get it if you’d rather just grab a calculator and do the math there. If that’s the case, you can’t go wrong with the Home Project Calculator from Calculated Industries. It allows you to punch in feet, inches, fractions…just the way you’d use them in your shop. Add ‘em, subtract ‘em, multiply or divide. It’s a very handy thing to have in your shop and will most likely save you from making mistakes.
But wait, there’s more
Tips, tricks and insider techniques are often what can make your woodworking easier, faster, and more enjoyable. That’s why we work hard to make sure we’re providing you with the tricks of the trade you need to be successful. Those tricks, and more woodshop tips, are definitely worth a look.
Hey, I realize there are all sorts of electronic devices out there that you can use to do calculations on, but it's still good to know how to get fractions processed so that you can get an accurate result. What I'm talking about is adding up fractional numbers, how many times in your workshop do you end up doing this? So, do you wanna double check your numbers? Here's a really easy way to do it. You need two rulers. So let's add 3 11/16 plus 1 5/8. I'm pretty good at doing math in my head, but this is even easier. Here's how this works. 3 11/16, find that on ruler number one. Bring over ruler number two, and make the end of that ruler even with that dimension. So the end of ruler number two goes at 3 11/16. Then on ruler number two, find 1 5/8. Right there. And then simply direct read on ruler number one, what the dimension is. 5 5/16. So there, without making smoke come out of your ears or having to have another cup of coffee so you can figure it, or running and finding your fractional calculator, you can easily just direct read off of the second ruler, get an accurate result, and it makes it really easy to add up fractions.
Sort of like a slide rule.
...or, we could all go metric (I wish)! :) It's totally absurd to me that we are one of only three countries in the world that aren't on it. And why is that, you ask? Because we don't like change! But until then--as always--thanks for the tips!!
Or, you can go metric. 112mm + 64mm = 176 mm
As others have mentioned, this is a non-problem; just convert to the lowest common denominator and add. I'm an engineer, but this is just basic math (third grade math at that). This also eliminates the problem of "ruler slippage."
Well that was simple enough. No more anxiety attacks over forgetting how to do Math I learned almost 50 years ago. Thanks.
There is an easier way;no rulers, mental arithmetic only. Join the rest of the world and GO METRIC.
Calculating fractions using a pencil and notepad is the easiest method. Or, Use one ruler to eliminate natural variation between two rulers. First, measure and mark the 3 11/16 length, then, using the same ruler, measure and mark 1 5/8 from the 3 11/16 mark. The measurement from the starting point to the last mark equals 5 5/16. Calculating fractions is not hard; find the lowest common denominator (in this case =16, 5/8 = 10/16). No need to switch to the metric system. Your shop, your project. Use the measure that works for you.
Just like using a slide rule. "What's a slide rule", you say? Google it. LOL
This whole issue would not be a problem if the US would simply switch to the metric system, a much easier system for dealing with fractional numbers since EVERYTHING is in multiples of ten.
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