The ruler has finally come full circle

The Ring Ruler addresses one of the most elemental structures in the physical world– the circle. Up until now, the primary tool for creating circles is the needle compass, which pivots on a sharp, centered point. While this method has remained practically unchanged for hundreds of years, we believe there is a better way. We think the solution lies in a more natural, circular gesture. Why not use a circle to create or measure a circle? Using this method of an expandable/contractable measuring ring, we are now able to provide metrics that have never before been possible in a single tool– namely DIAMETER, ARC LENGTH/CIRCUMFERENCE and even DEGREES. 

The tactile feel of sizing the Ring Ruler by hand, snapping into place, and tracing the pencil along its curved profile is not only faster and far more satisfying, but it also allows for a much greater degree of control with respect to line consistency. That’s because we’ve managed to keep the writing instrument where it belongs– in your hand.

π (Pi)

The principle behind the concept of the Ring Ruler is based on the very essence of π (pi). Many people know pi as the infinitely long number that starts 3.14159… but it is simply the direct relationship between circumference and diameter. More specifically, it is the arc length of a single increment of diameter, be it inches or centimeters. This property is uniquely illustrated with this tool in that the first unit of diameter in either scale equals 3.14 (pi) –hence, pi is literally baked into the Ring Ruler– allowing for the exclusive set of metrics it provides.

Well-rounded Tool

Whether you’re an artist, designer, architect, engineer, teacher, woodworker, quilter, craftsman or student –or you’re just taking a geometry class– the Ring Ruler might prove to be a handy little tool to have in your arsenal. Useful for anything ranging from technical drafting to pattern-making to bowl decorating, it is also easily used with pencil, pen or marker.

Circular Logic

We believe drawing circles should be easy; and learning about circles should be fun. The level of simplicity with which the Ring Ruler is handled and used opens some exciting possibilities with students and children of all ages. Teachers who may have been reluctant to hand out pointy compasses to young children can now encourage kids to actually play with these flexible, circular rulers. As much as we all love digital applications, there is a visceral stimulation with physical, hands-on instruction that creates stronger connections and invariably leads to greater understanding of fundamental concepts.

To a Degree…

In addition to creating perfect circles on the fly, the Ring Ruler also measures circles and 3D objects like cylinders, spheres and cones. In fact, it is really the first and only tool for actually measuring circles and arcs that does not involve calculation. 

We’ve also recently added the ability to measure a full 360º, making the Ring Ruler the ultimate protractor! In order to accurately measure degrees, we must use a fixed diameter, to create a quadrant system– much like a clock. The markings indicate the snap-in point and the baseline is essentially formed at the 3:00 and 9:00 positions.