Diagonal scale
# Diagonal scale

Diagonal scale is an engineering measuring instrument which is composed of a set of parallel straight lines which are obliquely crossed by another set of straight lines. Diagonal scales are used to measure small fractions of the unit of measurement.

## Etymology

Diagonal scale is derived from the Latin word Diagonalis. The Latin word was originally coined from the Greek word diagōnios where dia means "through" and gonios denotes "corners".

## Principle of Diagonal scale

Diagonal scale follows the principle of similar triangles where a short length is divided into number of parts in which sides are proportional. Divided into required number of equal parts

## Application

Diagonal scale is used in engineering to read lengths with higher accuracy as it represents a unit into three different multiple in metres, centimeters and millimeters. Diagonal scale is an important part in Engineering drawings.

