Online RulerFix a Ruler That Prints Too Small
Reprint at Actual Size or 100% and turn off Fit to Page. Then measure the printed 10 cm test line with a physical ruler. If the test line comes out short, check the paper size and print settings before using either ruler on the sheet.
- The AR Ruler printable puts a 15 cm scale and a 6 in scale on the same page.
- Each scale is set separately and uses physical print measurements.
- The 10 cm test line lets you check the size of the finished print.
- Open the AR Ruler printable and bring up the print dialog for that page.
- Select the paper size loaded in the printer. For US Letter paper, choose Letter in the print settings.
- Select Actual Size or enter 100% in the scale field. Clear any Fit to Page or shrink option that is selected.
- Print one copy and lay it flat. Place the zero mark of a physical ruler at one end of the test line and read the other end.
- If the test line differs from 10 cm, review the printer's own settings for a second scaling option, then print and check again.
Find the setting that shrank it
Fit to Page changes the size of the page contents to fit the printable area. A ruler can look normal after that change because the gaps between the marks shrink together. Start with the browser or PDF viewer's print dialog. If it already shows Actual Size, open the printer preferences and look for a separate fit or shrink option. The test line on paper shows what came out of the printer after both sets of settings were applied.
Handle clipped marks
Look at the preview after setting the scale. If an end or a label is clipped, check whether the selected paper size matches the sheet in the tray. Review the page orientation as well. If the page still cannot fit in the printable area at actual size, try a larger sheet supported by the printer. Check the new print with the test line before using it.
Read the test line
Lay the page and your reference ruler on a flat surface. Align the zero mark with the start of the line and look straight down at the other end. Use the marks on the reference ruler, since its outer edge may sit before zero. If the test line falls short or goes past the expected mark, adjust the print settings and reprint. Once the line agrees, check that the endpoints of the scale you plan to use are visible.
Should the two scales end together?
Each scale has its own length. Use the test line to check print size and follow the marks for the unit you need.
Does browser zoom fix print size?
Set the size in the print dialog. Use the line on the printed sheet to confirm the output.
Can I print a screenshot?
Print the AR Ruler page itself so the print system can use its physical units. A screenshot can be resized when it is inserted into a document or sent to a printer.