5 Unexpected Ways to Use a Ruler Beyond Measuring

Most of us think of a ruler as just a measuring tool. It helps us draw straight lines, check lengths, and complete schoolwork with a bit more precision. But there’s a whole world of creativity hiding in this humble stationery item. From classroom hacks to DIY tricks, rulers have the potential to do so much more than you might imagine.

If you have ever found yourself with a ruler in hand and wondered what else you could do with it, this is for you. Let’s explore five surprisingly fun and practical ways to use a ruler beyond its typical use — and show why The Ruler Company Ltd has the perfect ruler for every one of these ideas.

Think a Ruler Is Just for Measuring? Think Again!

Rulers are one of those tools that sit quietly in our pencil cases or desk drawers, rarely called upon outside of maths class or a quick bit of DIY. But in the hands of creative thinkers — teachers, students, crafters, even office workers — rulers become multi-purpose heroes.

Today’s rulers come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. Whether you prefer the smooth edge of a plastic ruler, the weighty feel of a metal one, or the flexibility of a fibreglass option, there is a lot more to consider than centimetres and inches.

To see how different materials can suit different jobs, take a look at our guide on plastic vs metal rulers. You might be surprised by how versatile they really are.

Ready to reimagine the ruler? Let’s get into five unexpected uses that go far beyond measuring.

1. Bookmark or Page Holder

It might not sound groundbreaking, but once you start using a ruler as a bookmark, you won’t go back. Unlike flimsy paper bookmarks that get bent or lost, a ruler slides into your book with ease and stays exactly where you left it.

It’s also perfect for propping open a textbook or recipe while you follow along. If you are someone who reads while working at a desk or revising for exams, a ruler placed across the pages can stop them from flipping over when your hands are busy.

Better yet, many rulers from The Ruler Company Ltd come in vibrant colours and sustainable materials. Why not use a recycled ruler as your go-to bookmark and give your books a bit of personality too?

2. Perfectly Straight Crease Tool for Crafts

If you enjoy origami, gift wrapping, scrapbooking, or card-making, you know the difference a clean fold can make. Enter the ruler crease tool. A firm-edged ruler can be used to press folds into paper with perfect sharpness and symmetry.

To try it, line your ruler where the fold will go, press the edge into the paper gently but firmly, and fold along it. The result? Smooth, straight creases every time. It’s much easier than folding by hand and looks far more professional.

Fibreglass rulers work especially well here because of their durability and flexibility. Not only do they resist cracking, but they also feel smooth on the paper. Learn more about their benefits in our post on the advantages of fibreglass measure tapes — a lot of the same principles apply to rulers too.

3. Keyboard Cleaner or Crumb Catcher

Let’s be honest. Keyboards can get gross. Crumbs, dust, pet hair, and who-knows-what else can slip between the keys. But here’s the good news: a ruler is a brilliant tool for clearing it all out.

Run a ruler gently between the rows of keys to sweep out any debris. You can even wrap a tissue or microfibre cloth around the end of the ruler and swipe it through to collect more gunk. If your keyboard has deep gaps, try using a metal or fibreglass ruler for more reach and control.

This trick works for car dashboards, sewing machines, and tight spaces around the house too. Who knew cleaning could be this satisfying?

4. Instant Phone Stand or Desk Divider

Working from home? Constantly switching between phone and laptop? Try this. Take a ruler and place it across two stacked books or the edge of a cup, then rest your phone horizontally across it. You’ve got yourself a simple phone stand.

This makes video calls easier, keeps your phone screen visible for notifications, and avoids that constant hunt for a phone holder. Some rulers even come with built-in slots or grooves that make this trick even more stable.

Another fun idea? Use rulers as visual dividers for shared desks or classroom tables. Kids love personalising their ruler divider with stickers or drawings. Teachers can label them with each pupil’s name to add a subtle sense of space during lessons.

If you’re looking for more desk hacks, check out our favourite DIY stationery projects where rulers, pens, and boards come together in fun and practical ways.

5. Straight-Edge Art Tool for Patterns and Borders

Artists and designers already know how helpful a ruler can be for drawing straight lines. But there are so many more ways to use a ruler in your creative process. From sketching mandalas to designing grids or creating geometric borders, rulers unlock a whole new level of symmetry and precision.

You can even use the edges of rulers to create repeating patterns. Try flipping a ruler to alternate lines in your sketchbook, or trace a pattern of dots at even intervals. The consistency helps with perspective and makes your final piece look cleaner.

Pair a ruler with a good pencil for best results. We recommend trying the Treewise pencil for an eco-friendly option that complements your creativity with sustainability.

Looking to go bigger? Combine your ruler with one of our full drawing boards for more structure, especially if you’re working on school or college art projects.

Bonus Ideas to Try

Here are a few extra ideas if you’re feeling inspired:

• Use a ruler to trace sewing patterns on fabric
  
  

• Stir paint or mix craft glue with a plastic ruler
  
  

• Create a ruler sundial for a simple science project
  
  

• Add name labels to rulers for classroom organisation
  
  

• Use rulers as fence posts or markers in a sandpit game
  
  

If you’re a teacher, why not incorporate rulers into your lesson planning? The Ruler Company Ltd also stocks a wide range of blackboard equipment, so you can pair hands-on learning with classroom essentials.

And for those passionate about sustainable materials, browse our full recycled product collection for more clever and eco-conscious options.

Why Creative Tools Matter

Tools like rulers may seem small, but they offer big possibilities. The more we find fun and functional ways to use them, the more value they bring to everyday life.

For students, they become part of learning. For crafters, they’re a trusted extension of the hand. And for parents or teachers, they make tasks simpler and more engaging. Even a basic measuring tape or ruler can turn a moment of boredom into a burst of creativity.

At The Ruler Company Ltd, we believe stationery should be inspiring. That’s why our rulers are designed with quality, colour, and creativity in mind — whether you’re measuring wood for a DIY shelf or folding paper for a birthday card.

Want to see which ruler suits you best? Explore our full range of measuring tools and tapes to find the right fit.

Explore Your Creative Side with The Ruler Company Ltd

So there you have it. Five unexpected, surprisingly useful ways to bring your ruler out of the drawer and into your daily life. Whether you’re cleaning your keyboard, folding a gift card, sketching a pattern, or propping up your phone during a call, a ruler might be exactly what you need.

Explore rulers in every shape, colour and material at The Ruler Company Ltd — where creativity meets precision.