Westcott

Westcott B-97 24" English/Metric Transparent Ruler

4.5 (161 reviews)

Dual-scale 24-inch transparent ruler with zero centering and laminated construction for precise drafting and measurement.

$8.95*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Westcott B-97 is a 24-inch transparent ruler designed to handle everyday measuring, drafting, and layout tasks with accuracy and convenience. Its dual-scale design features 16ths-of-an-inch calibrations with an 8ths graph feature on one side and millimeter markings on the other, with each centimeter line extended to the inch scale so users can quickly compare English and metric measurements without switching tools. The zero-centering English scale is a thoughtful addition for anyone who frequently needs to find the midpoint of a line or distribute spacing evenly from a center mark.

Constructed from transparent plastic, the ruler allows full visibility of the work surface beneath it, making alignment over drawings, blueprints, or printed layouts straightforward. The laminated finish protects the printed graduations from rubbing off and adds a degree of scratch resistance that extends the ruler's useful life. At 24 inches, it provides ample length for larger-format work while remaining a standard size for most drafting tables and workstations.

Key Features

Transparent plastic

Calibrated in 16ths to the inch with 8ths graph feature on one side and millimeters on the other

Each centimeter line is extended to the inch scale offering a comparison between English and metric scales

Zero centering English scale

Laminated for durability

Specifications

Brand
Westcott
Model
B-97
Length
24 inches
Material
Transparent Plastic, Laminated
English Scale
Calibrated in 16ths of an inch with 8ths graph feature
Metric Scale
Millimeters
Special Feature
Zero Centering English Scale

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Dual English and metric scales on a single ruler eliminate the need for separate measuring tools.
  • Transparent plastic lets you see underlying drawings, text, or grid lines while measuring.
  • Zero-centering scale simplifies finding midpoints without manual calculation.
  • Laminated surface resists wear and keeps markings legible over extended use.

👎 Cons

  • At 24 inches, the ruler can be cumbersome for small-scale or portable work.
  • Plastic construction is less rigid than metal rulers, which may flex during straight-edge cutting.
  • 16ths-of-an-inch is the finest English graduation — users needing 32nds or 64ths will need a different tool.
  • Not suitable as a cutting guide, as blades can damage the plastic edge over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

One side is calibrated in 16ths of an inch with an 8ths graph feature, and the other side is calibrated in millimeters, with each centimeter line extended to the inch scale for easy English-to-metric comparison.
The zero-centering English scale places the zero mark at the center of the ruler, allowing you to measure equal distances in both directions from a midpoint.
Yes, the ruler is laminated for durability, which helps resist scratching and wear over time.
Yes, it is made from transparent plastic, so you can see your work underneath while aligning measurements.