Westcott

Westcott ZC-24 24-inch Zero Center Stainless Steel Ruler

4.6 (519 reviews)

Zero-center stainless steel ruler with cork backing for balanced, slip-free measurements across a full 24 inches.

$12.37*$14.55Save 14%
In Stock on Amazon.com
View on Amazon

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

Affiliate Disclosure: Studio Supplies may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our editorial team.

Notice a mistake? Let Us Know

Overview

The Westcott ZC-24 is a 24-inch stainless steel ruler built for professionals, students, and hobbyists who need precise, repeatable measurements in drafting, design, and layout work. Its defining feature is the zero-center scale, which places the 0 mark at the ruler's midpoint with measurements extending outward in both directions. This design eliminates the arithmetic normally required to find a center point or create symmetrical layouts—you simply align the zero and read off equal distances on either side. The ruler's etched markings include 1/16-inch imperial graduations and metric increments, providing dual-system versatility on a single tool.

Constructed from warp-resistant stainless steel with a chrome finish, the ZC-24 maintains straightness and accuracy over extended use. The flexible steel can conform to gently curved surfaces for measuring or marking without losing legibility, a useful capability for tasks beyond flat-surface drafting. A non-slip cork backing on the underside grips paper, drafting boards, and tabletops to prevent the ruler from shifting mid-measurement, resulting in cleaner lines and more consistent results. At just 3.2 ounces, the ruler is easy to handle for extended periods, and a built-in hang-hole allows wall-mounted storage to keep desk space clear between uses.

Key Features

Metal Ruler Durability - Built from rugged stainless steel, this metal straight edge ruler delivers long-lasting precision by resisting wear and bending, ensuring consistent measurements for drafting, design projects, education tasks, and more

Centering Ruler Precision - Zero-center scale enables measurements to radiate evenly from the center, turning this 24-inch ruler into a centering ruler that improves balance in layouts, engineering drawings, and large-format sketches

Flexible - The flexible ruler design lets you map measurements on curved surfaces without compromising accuracy, enabling curved sketches and complex drafting tasks while maintaining legibility

Non-Slip Ruler Traction - This cork-back ruler provides a stable grip on any work surface, minimizing shifts during marking and measurement, which translates to cleaner lines and dependable results in design studios, classrooms, and labs

Storage Convenience - Hang-hole and wall-mount friendly design keeps the 24-inch metal ruler with cork backing neatly stored between projects, ready for rapid access while preserving desk space and surface protection

Specifications

Brand
Westcott
Model
ZC-24
Material
Stainless Steel
Length
24 inches
Scale Type
Zero Centering
Markings
Etched 1/16" standard and metric
Backing
Non-Slip Cork
Color
Chrome
Dimensions
36.5 x 2.13 x 0.13 inches
Weight
3.2 ounces
Storage
Hang-hole for wall mounting

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Zero-center scale simplifies symmetrical layouts and centering tasks without manual calculation
  • Stainless steel construction resists warping and bending for long-term measurement accuracy
  • Cork backing prevents slipping on paper, drafting boards, and other smooth work surfaces
  • Dual etched markings provide both 1/16-inch imperial and metric scales
  • Flexible enough to conform to gently curved surfaces while remaining rigid for straight-edge use

👎 Cons

  • At 24 inches, the ruler is too long for compact pencil cases or small toolkits
  • Etched markings can be harder to read than printed markings in low-light conditions
  • The chrome finish may produce glare under bright studio or overhead lighting
  • Lightweight 3.2-ounce construction, while portable, offers less heft for use as a cutting straightedge

Frequently Asked Questions

The zero-center scale places the 0 mark at the midpoint of the ruler, with measurements radiating outward in both directions. This makes it easy to center objects or create symmetrical layouts without manual math.
Yes, the stainless steel construction is thin enough to flex along gentle curves while maintaining measurement accuracy, making it useful for drafting on curved surfaces or measuring rounded objects.
The ruler features etched standard markings in 1/16-inch increments on one edge and metric markings on the other, covering both imperial and metric measurement needs.
Yes, the non-slip cork base grips the work surface to minimize shifting during marking and cutting, which helps produce cleaner lines and more accurate measurements.
The ZC-24 includes a hang-hole for wall mounting, keeping it accessible between uses without taking up desk space. The cork backing also protects surfaces when the ruler is laid flat.